South Burnett Regional Council CEO Gary Wall with Nanango resident Barry Page (Photo: S-BRAG)

April 20, 2015

A petition calling for an immediate halt to streetscape work in Nanango was presented to South Burnett Regional Council CEO Gary Wall at the end of this morning’s Council meeting.

The petition, bearing more than 400 signatures, was handed over to Mr Wall by Nanango resident Barry Page who is a member of the Nanango branch of the South Burnett Residents Action Group (S-BRAG).

Mr Wall told southburnett.com.au the petition would be tabled at the next Council meeting on May 13.

Mr Page said the petition called for a halt of the Nanango Streetscape project until ratepayers have had a “full opportunity to express their opinions” on the project.

“This ongoing waste of ratepayers’ money must stop until proper consultation has been done,” Mr Page said.

“The Mayor has had a chat with selected businesses in Nanango but what about the rest of the shop owners and importantly the people who live in town?

“The branch had its monthly meeting at the Darts Club and the streetscape issue was passionately discussed.

“There was mention of branch actions being carried out to highlight the Council’s inept handling of this issue, so I took it upon myself to get out there and actually ask the people, and shop owners, what they really thought.

“While I was out, I asked if they would like to sign my petition, and almost 100 per cent did.

“The response was amazing and, in such a short amount of time, to gather so many signatures it was reassuring that I was far from alone with such disgust at Council’s handling of this project.

“We all know Nanango could do with a facelift, but losing its proud heritage of being the 4th oldest town in Queensland should not be the aim.

“We don’t need 16 flag poles or massive concrete areas, we just need parking spaces in the main street and affordable rates to encourage more shops to open in town.

“Many of our residents are seniors and just cannot carry their shopping to a car park located away from the CBD.

“The Mayor just doesn’t seem to care or even want to listen to people’s concerns.”

* * *

Petition:

To the Mayor and CEO of the South Burnett Regional Council:

The plans for the Nanango Streetscape have changed significantly from when it was first discussed and commented on by local businesses and residents. This new plan is causing a significant impact on local businesses and their patrons through:

  • Decreased parking
  • Increased inconvenience to patrons
  • Reduced takings in businesses

Residents are also concerned about the cost and benefits of the streetscape as it appears that the main works are related to road works not beautification as originally planned.

There is some angst about the lack of consultation throughout this process with local businesses and residents.

Therefore, we, the undersigned residents and ratepayers of Nanango formally request that any future work on the streetscape be stopped immediately until comprehensive consultation and agreement is undertaken through a public process.

Related articles:

  ,