THE NSW Farmers Association has weighed in to support landowners, demanding an end to the Roads and Traffic Authority’s delays over the route for the Woomargama bypass on the Hume Highway.
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Woomargama cattle farmers James Capel and Jamie Snow backed a NSWFA statement made yesterday stating farmers are being left in the dark about developments, putting lives and livelihoods in a state of limbo.
“The delay beggars belief,” Mr Capel said.
“There have been two years of uncertainty — we were promised a decision in February, 2007, then June and September, but we are still waiting.
“It seems to be more of a process of box-ticking — but we just want to be able to get on with our lives.”
An RTA spokeswoman said three options were being explored for the bypass.
Option B would cut a swathe through Mr Capel’s and Mr Snow’s land.
Lush, prime land for cattle, Mr Capel said this option would effectively destroy his business.
“The westerly route would cut our land clean in half,” he said.
“It’s good grazing country, but the development would ruin the business.
“We can’t make a decision until we know what’s happening, we can’t sell because you just wouldn’t get anyone through the gate and we can’t plan for our future.”
NSWFA president Jock Laurie said landowners’ were fed up with their lives being affected by the RTA’s delays.
“The State Government and the RTA need to stop playing with people’s lives and businesses — it’s simply not on,” he said.
“Our members in that region face a direct economic cost as a result of the pending decision, plus ongoing costs for the alteration of their businesses.
“Landholders should know what they are facing in terms of the impact on their lives and businesses, and they should know now.
“They can’t sell because no one will want to buy land which could make way for the bypass.
“It’s impacting on them emotionally and psychologically — the fact the RTA has left these people hanging is a disgrace.”
An RTA spokeswoman said in response that they were close to reaching a decision.
“The RTA has been investigating three options for a bypass of Woomargama, and has undertaken an extensive consultation process with the Woomargama community to address their concerns,” she said.
“While the process has taken some time, the consultation with affected landholders and residents of the village of Woomargama has been invaluable and greatly assisted the RTA.
“The RTA is finalising its recommendations to the Minister for Roads for the Woomargama Bypass, and it is anticipated that the preferred route will be announced in the near future.”
