A long worked for project of the Old Bar Manning Point Business and Community Association (OBMP BCA) is finally coming to fruition.
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With cooperation from MidCoast Council (MCC), the first of the bus shelters has been erected.
The BCA applied for and received a grant from Transport for NSW to construct 10 bus shelters in Old Bar and Wallabi Point. This is itself quite unusual as generally it is only councils that have applied for and received these grants.
All of the concrete slabs have been laid and MCC staff have erected at least two of the shelters. The design of the shelters is as set by MCC.
But it would appear that support for this project does have at least one detractor. A motor vehicle has been parked on the slab in Pacific Parade, Old Bar, adorned with voluminous signage objecting to the location of the proposed bus shelter there as well as protesting about the process involved and other projects carried out by council in the past.
Comment has been sought from the president, OBMP BCA, Carole Isaacs, who has been informed of the nature of the protest.
Ms Isaacs stated: "The OBMP BCA applied for and received funding from Transport for NSW for 10 bus shelters in Old Bar and Wallabi Point. The OBMP BCA project worker consulted with Eggins bus service to determine where the current bus stops were located and if they were suitable for a shelter to be placed there. MidCoast Council has supported and been fully engaged and helpful regarding the location and construction of the shelters.
“Residents who live opposite or beside proposed bus shelter sites were provided with information about the shelters and who to approach about them. All shelters are located on the road reserve - this land is owned by council and they can legally place structures on this land.
“The opportunity to get this kind of infrastructure funded for Old Bar may only come once in a lifetime. The OBMP BCA works toward having the best amenities available for all residents and visitors, as other small coastal towns have enjoyed in the past, when our town has missed out. Old Bar will grow faster than most residents appreciate and the need for infrastructure will become critical.
“The association has been happy with the results of the bus shelters, footpath to the beach and around the school, seating in the Old Bar shopping precinct and the annual Christmas Bazaar. For a small association we have achieved so much for our town."
