ARMIDALE Regional Council has adopted the concept plan for the upgrade of Guyra’s main street and the preliminary cost has been estimated at $2.7 million – but not all residents have supported the idea.
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Guyra resident and shopowner David Bearup believes the money could be better spent elsewhere.
“I have been critical of those sorts of things. In my personal opinion, if I was spending that kind of money I’d be looking at other avenues,” he said.
“They couldn’t do it on their own in Guyra but now we’ve come up with all the money and they can do it – is that the best expenditure for the town?”
The project has been on the agenda for Guyra Shire Council since 2013 but stalled due to a lack of funding.
Community consultation and planning for the main street began in 2012.
Mr Bearup owns three shops in the main street and said that while he welcomes the renovations, he believes Guyra has more pressing needs.
“In my personal opinion I think they need to get a development officer for Guyra because at the moment the town is stagnating without any definite forward projects,” he said.
“While it’d be nice to do the main street – will it create more jobs and bring more investment into the town of Guyra?
“I know I’m harping but it’s about time they actually sat down with people and said this will bring in more jobs or rejuvenate the township of Guyra so that people come and invest in this town.”
Mr Bearup suggested the money to be used to ensure glasshouse investors adequate water supply from Malpas Dam was available.
Originally Essential Energy had proposed to install underground electric cables in the footpath, connections to shops and additional lighting but as the project was put on hold Essential Energy has declined to contribute to the project.
The concept plan includes a full reconstruction of the road pavement, footpath paving and new kerb and gutters.
It incorporates three pedestrian crossings, street landscaping, bins, new seats and street lights.