Drivers lose out in new streetscape

Now that the roadworks have nearly been completed in Warragul central business district it is easy to see what the council has tried to create and that is a pedestrian friendly area.

It is a space that drivers now find best to avoid.

Roundabouts litter the streets and raised pedestrian crossings work as speed humps.

A driver heading down Smith St from the north finds it now impossible to turn westwards until he/she gets to the railway bridge roundabout on Queen St.

This must be a concern for Woolworths as customers are now being forced towards Coles because drivers in Smith St coming from the north can’t enter Woolworths carpark and can only turn east which is where Coles is. There is no effective bypass for the cbd. People used to use Mason St but the roundabouts there make that prohibitive.

The whole scheme would work well if there was adequate parking available but it seems no extra space has been provided.

What may have looked pretty on the landscape plans now appears to not have taken into account traffic flow and parking issues.

Backing out of the parking spaces in the now one-way area of Palmerston St is awkward as the street has been narrowed.

One or two cars backing out of there block all traffic at the roundabouts in Victoria and Smith St.

With all the many and varied approaches published over the years to solving the issues in Warragul cbd, the final result has just worsened it.

It isn’t just a case of waiting until it is all bedded in. The issues are there already and won’t change.

Bricks to the Baw Baw Shire for paying people to promote the new water fountains. A great initiative to have in town but what a carry on and waste of money. I'm sure we can all work out how to use a water fountain without an expensive and over the top song and dance.

Bouquets to the couple who picked up my keys on Buln Buln Rd.

A bouquet and a big “thank you” to the driver who stopped in time and allowed us to use the roundabout at Queens St and Smith St on Friday although we made a mistake and were in the wrong. She didn’t even blow her horn.

Bouquets to the lovely lady who paid for my tea at the hospital.

Sadly, what may happen is that people will now avoid the cbd area of Warragul and thus businesses will suffer.

When that happens the Baw Baw Shire councillors will blame the designers and of course the designers will blame the council.

Maybe I have it all wrong, but what I see is what the council has done is effectively divided the cbd. I just hope that it doesn’t divide the community into two groups – ones that will shop in the middle of Warragul and ones decide it is easier to go elsewhere where traffic and parking is much easier.

Greg Tuck, Warragul

Recent rains have been welcome and with the rain comes many benefits.

The rain can also contribute to the development of potholes.

The carpark entrance on Victoria St has a large pot hole that is approaching 150mm deep.

As a main access to the carpark it is a safety hazard to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians using the footpath.

The person or authority responsible for this car park needs to maintain a watchful eye and ensure regular repairs and maintenance is undertaken. Ian Stacy, Warragul

Bouquets to the honest people who still exist in this world. In a brain fade moment I left $80 cash in the self-serve checkout at Coles Warragul on Wednesday afternoon. It was nice to return the next day and discover the cash had been handed in.

A pile of bricks for the people and organisations (such as V/Line) who have allowed the wild tobacco plant (Solanum mauritianum) to infest our verges and rights-of-way. This plant is highly invasive, all parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and livestock (particularly the green seeds), and it is an environmental weed in Victoria.

Bricks to the person who stole our grand daughter’s blue Converse sneakers from the ladies changing room at the Warragul Pool last Monday. She was most upset and as well lost one of her orthotics. Police have been notified.

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