THE community campaign for an alternative crossing of the Cam River has won the support of Tasmanian Liberal Senator Stephen Parry, who has called on state Infrastructure Minister Graeme Sturges to stop dismissing concerns.
Senator Parry and colleagues visited the Cam River Bridge this morning at the end of a two-day West and North-West Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team tour, speaking with passionate local campaigner Victor Chesnik.
Deputy State Liberal Leader Jeremy Rockliff and Burnie Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) president Andrew Barry, both supportive of the Cam bridge campaign, also attended.
A former president of the BCCI, Senator Parry said he had long held the view that the Bass Hwy west of Burnie is a critical transport corridor and should – in the longer term – be considered for a major upgrade.
“The bridge across the Cam River is a vulnerable point on what is the only effective route for traffic to and from the Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard municipalities, which are two of the most economically productive in our state,’’ he said.
“Given a detour would add considerable time to travel across the river, an accident closing that bridge for any length of time could inflict a serious blow on local industry.
“The thousands of signatures Mr Chesnik gained in a petition on the issue demonstrate the depth of concern in the local community over the possible effects if the bridge were to be closed.
“One can imagine the possible flow-on effects of even a temporary closure.
“For example, passengers departing from the Burnie Airport at Wynyard would find themselves missing flights.
“More seriously, it would cut off emergency services on the western side of the river from their regional headquarters and from the North West Regional Hospital on the east, dramatically increasing the time for support to arrive and for patients to be treated.
“Unfortunately, these concerns have been all but dismissed by Mr Sturges, who denies the lack of an alternative crossing is even an issue.’’
Senator Parry said the issue demanded serious consideration, keeping in mind how critical the Bass Hwy is to the communities west of the river.
“It should not be up to the local community to find the answer, but I note there have been ideas put forward that may have merit,’’ he said.
“A second bridge alongside the first may be a long-term solution, while converting the disused railway bridge into a dual use bridge for emergencies – if feasible – may be a short-term answer.
“In either case, the point is the State Government – which is responsible for this road – should stop dismissing concerns, start listening to the community and consider options.’’
Senator Stephen Parry Chief Opposition Whip in the Senate Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
