Here are just a few simple Question and Answers to help give you a quick guide as to who we are, what we want and why we are fighting for a better solution for the Hawkesbury.
Who are we?
Community Action for Windsor Bridge (CAWB) is a group made up of concerned locals, who are passionate about the Hawkesbury. We are fighting a third rate plan called Option 1. (About Us)
What is the proposal?
The State Government and RMS want to demolish the existing, historic Windsor Bridge, and build new two lane bridge in its place. This new bridge will have a high, wide concrete approach road built through Thompson Square, Australia’s oldest public space. (Option 1)
Why are we protesting this plan?
Option 1 is flawed. There will be no improvement in traffic, heritage impacts will be high, and it will be obsolete soon after completion. (Why Say No?)
Isn’t the heritage going to be enhanced?
No. Every heritage advocacy group, including the consultants hired by the government, have stated that this bridge will have severe impacts on the heritage of the square, and have recommended that it not go ahead. (Why Say No?, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRgDudoCSq0#t=42)
Is the old bridge safe?
Yes. It needs a little work, but considering very little maintenance has been carried out in the last twenty years, that is not surprising. Engineers hired by the Government have confirmed the bridge could a restored for very little cost, and would be safe to carry traffic. If all the through traffic including trucks was taken off the bridge, this would also prolong it’s life. (Bridge Condition Myths, Lane Width Myths)
Is there an alternative?
Yes. Restore the existing bridge for light and local traffic, and build a bypass for through and heavy traffic. This was actually also the recommendation of the different independent consultants that were hired by the Government, and the initial recommendation from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. (An Alternative)
Wont a bypass hurt Windsor?
Seventy percent of traffic that drives across the current bridge doesn’t stop. If this traffic is diverted around the town it will make no difference at all to business. What it will do it make it easier for traffic that wants to enter the town by the existing bridge. It will also make Thompson Square, the main tourist precinct of Windsor, a much more pleasant and pedestrian friendly space. (An Alternative)
But it is new. Surely it has to be good?
That is a easy assumption to make, but no. Any benefit gained from Option 1 (wider lanes) will also be gained by building a bypass and keeping the existing bridge for light and local traffic, except with our plan you get a whole lot more as well, with not much extra expense. It will be a long term solution to traffic, and will allow for the revitalisation of a unique, heritage town.
An example of a recent bridge that was a failure is the Tourle St Bridge near Newcastle.
How can I be sure the information from CAWB is accurate?
If you would prefer not to take our word for it, we would encourage you to read the project documents. They can be found here.
Where is the campaign up to now?
The proposal has been approved. For CAWB, the fight continues with court action by lodging judicial review proceedings with the Land and Environment Court. Keep watching Facebook for further details.
Why did CAWB take court action?
CAWB has taken court action to stop this new arterial road being driven through Windsor’s premier heritage and tourism precinct, Thompson Square.
How long has CAWB been occupying Thompson Square?
Follow the count-up of our perfectly legal and history making protest here.
What can I do to help?
Go here for details.
Community Action for Windsor Bridge (CAWB) is a group made up of concerned locals, who are passionate about the Hawkesbury. We are fighting a third rate plan called Option 1. (About Us)
What is the proposal?
The State Government and RMS want to demolish the existing, historic Windsor Bridge, and build new two lane bridge in its place. This new bridge will have a high, wide concrete approach road built through Thompson Square, Australia’s oldest public space. (Option 1)
Why are we protesting this plan?
Option 1 is flawed. There will be no improvement in traffic, heritage impacts will be high, and it will be obsolete soon after completion. (Why Say No?)
Isn’t the heritage going to be enhanced?
No. Every heritage advocacy group, including the consultants hired by the government, have stated that this bridge will have severe impacts on the heritage of the square, and have recommended that it not go ahead. (Why Say No?, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRgDudoCSq0#t=42)
Is the old bridge safe?
Yes. It needs a little work, but considering very little maintenance has been carried out in the last twenty years, that is not surprising. Engineers hired by the Government have confirmed the bridge could a restored for very little cost, and would be safe to carry traffic. If all the through traffic including trucks was taken off the bridge, this would also prolong it’s life. (Bridge Condition Myths, Lane Width Myths)
Is there an alternative?
Yes. Restore the existing bridge for light and local traffic, and build a bypass for through and heavy traffic. This was actually also the recommendation of the different independent consultants that were hired by the Government, and the initial recommendation from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. (An Alternative)
Wont a bypass hurt Windsor?
Seventy percent of traffic that drives across the current bridge doesn’t stop. If this traffic is diverted around the town it will make no difference at all to business. What it will do it make it easier for traffic that wants to enter the town by the existing bridge. It will also make Thompson Square, the main tourist precinct of Windsor, a much more pleasant and pedestrian friendly space. (An Alternative)
But it is new. Surely it has to be good?
That is a easy assumption to make, but no. Any benefit gained from Option 1 (wider lanes) will also be gained by building a bypass and keeping the existing bridge for light and local traffic, except with our plan you get a whole lot more as well, with not much extra expense. It will be a long term solution to traffic, and will allow for the revitalisation of a unique, heritage town.
An example of a recent bridge that was a failure is the Tourle St Bridge near Newcastle.
How can I be sure the information from CAWB is accurate?
If you would prefer not to take our word for it, we would encourage you to read the project documents. They can be found here.
Where is the campaign up to now?
The proposal has been approved. For CAWB, the fight continues with court action by lodging judicial review proceedings with the Land and Environment Court. Keep watching Facebook for further details.
Why did CAWB take court action?
- The Minister for Planning approved a new bridge and approach roads over the Hawkesbury on 20 December 2013.
- The Department of Infrastructure & Planning had previously appointed 3 independent heritage experts to prepare an Independent Heritage Review. That independent review advised Mr Hazzard:
- The independent review also warned the Minister that the Heritage Assessment and Statement of Heritage Impact (SoHI) provided by the Roads and Maritime Authority to justify the project
- “is generally inadequate”
- “incomplete”
- “is insufficient to understand the significance of the Thompson Square Conservation Area”
- The Heritage Council of NSW also advised the Minister the project should not go ahead.
CAWB has taken court action to stop this new arterial road being driven through Windsor’s premier heritage and tourism precinct, Thompson Square.
How long has CAWB been occupying Thompson Square?
Follow the count-up of our perfectly legal and history making protest here.
What can I do to help?
Go here for details.
