Masterplan’s masterstroke

Heralded as bringing in a new era of shared community space within the town’s centre, the four-step plan means access will be equitable for all – those abled and those less so.

During the meeting, the eight members of the gallery watched two videos. One was a 3D walkthrough of what Bellingen’s main street will look like after construction.

The other, a recording of what it was like for councillor Jennie Fenton and her family to currently navigate through the main street. It flagged a number of pitfalls for those less-abled.

While all six councillors supported the motion, during the council meeting, only three councillors spoke.

Cr Fenton iterated the importance of these works and divulged that “many people have contacted her after seeing the video (which was widely spread throughout social media) and have either agreed with me or if they didn't before, they now get it”.

“There is infrastructure that is keeping part of our community away from our town’s centre, and this (the masterplan) will now create a space we can all share.”

Cr Toni Wright-Turner backed up Cr Fenton and added, “there’s obviously a sadness about losing these trees, but this is not about the past, it’s about creating a town centre for everyone and it is in that spirit that we can sit together and move forwards”.

“I acknowledge there is a loss of parking spaces … but we are aiming for liveable town centres that are not designed around cars,” Cr Wright-Turner said.

“That is of the past, while we need cars – especially since we do not have adequate public transport – we need to move cars out of the centre and create a socially inclusive town.”

Cr Desmae Harrison, who was the final speaker, said she was pleased to have been a part of the project – “from the ‘Ideas Tent’ where more than 1000 people commented to today’s outcome”.

“This will be a wonderful community space,” Cr Harrison said.

“We are going forward with this new plan – and hopefully this development in Bellingen will also encourage people to stop and visit other parts of the Shire.

“There was immense public consultation and I am delighted to see this to its fruition”.

Despite the heated arguments preceding the event, those for and against the removal of camphor laurel trees, there were no signs of protest during the meeting.

And all up, the time taken to tick the masterplan off, took about 20 minutes (much of which was spent watching the two videos).

Cr Fenton’s video shows her and her family’s experience maneuvering around the Bellingen township. It also highlights the difficulties for many people who are unable to navigate the streets like those who are more abled-bodied.

Issues arise such as a dangerous drops from trenches and gutters. Tree roots pushing and lifting the pavers and concrete, creating uneven surfaces whereby people are prone to trips and falls. Dropoffs from concrete walkways to the road surface, “they don't belong in high use areas”.

Pedestrian crossings along the main street were inadequate for those using mobility scooters – the rise from the road to the walkway was at such an angle the wheelchair could get stuck.

Also some street exit/entry were too narrow.

The current maxi taxi area is not suitable to load disabled passengers.  

While Cr Fenton said streets and paths are not inclusive, she also flagged plumbing issues. Concerns raised by nearby businesses and residents, who said that the camphor laurel trees were damaging pipes and drains and distorting water flows.

In addition: 

Cr Fenton highlighted other main street access concerns … but wrapped it up by saying this is an “opportunity”.

“This is not about the past, it is about the future – and if it is not you now, it maybe later,” Cr Fenton said.

“As you grow older, or perhaps sustain an injury, you may find that you are not as able to navigate some spaces. So this town centre will be for you and everyone to enjoy.

“We will still be us as community … but segregation and isolation is no community.”