Bushcare group joins opposition to bus stop

A local bushcare group has joined local residents in opposing a new bus stop placed in Hillview St, Woy Woy, at the Burrawang Bushland Reserve.

The new bus stop was created when a new bus timetable was introduced on November 8.

The bushcare group says a previous bus stop at the site was relocated a number of years ago because it posed a threat to rare bushland in the reserve.

Burrawang Bushland Reserve committee member Mr Jim Morrison said the group has called on Gosford Council's traffic committee to relocate the stop to either Dunban Rd or Railway St.

"Several years ago, a bus stop existed in front of the reserve," Mr Morrison said.

"Much of our time and energy was taken in cleaning the area and attempting to prevent the spread of invasive garden plants and weeds.

"The stop was relocated to a more convenient location away from the front of the reserve, and the problem stopped."

Mr Morrison said that the reserve contained Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland, an Endangered Ecological Community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act.

He said it was council's responsibility to maintain this reserve to ensure the survival of this rare bushland, of which less than 13Ha in total remained, and which faced threats including invasion of weeds and garden plants.

"While we are happy to contribute our voluntary efforts to maintain the reserve and save council significant expense, we ask that council takes action on its part to ensure that threats to the survival of the bushland are minimised," Mr Morrison said.

"The placement of a bus stop in front of the reserve has been previously shown to be a significant threat to the bushland, and its removal has effectively addressed the problem.

"There is very good reason not to make the same mistake again.'

Mr Morrison said that, aside from the environmental concerns, the bus stop was poorly placed and was unsafe.

"The location of the stop, near the corner with Dunban Rd, creates a blind corner on a busy intersection when the bus is at the stop.

"When a bus pulls into the stop, traffic from the south needs to pull onto the other side of the road to pass the bus, creating a dangerous situation.

"The location is unsuitable for bus travellers.

"It is subject to regular flooding in wet weather, a problem which would have passengers ankle deep in water or the bus having to stop elsewhere along the road. This has been a traffic hazard for years.

"Even if the flooding problem was solved, the stop is not served by a footpath and the terrain is not suitable for the elderly or infirm.

"It also requires that they cross a busy road to reach it.

"The area is not well lit and also poses a risk to personal safety after dark.

"Being placed near the entrance to the reserve, it has an easy escape route for bag-snatchers and the like."

Mr Morrison said he had not heard of any demand for a bus stop at this location.

"We have asked council to consider relocating this new bus stop to Railway St or seek a change of route which would allow the Dunban Rd stops to be used."

Media release, 20 Nov 2010 Jim Morrison, Burrawang Reserve Committee