Moruya community urged "not to seize the pitchfork" over loose Bypass claims

The Editor,

One of the things about advancing years, is that I have noticed over time a singular lack of diversity and differing opinions appearing in the Australian Media. It is therefore heartening to see that this does not apply to the Beagle. In last weekend's edition of the Weekender we were presented with a very thought provoking editorial about the dangers of tribalism and some pages later a letter from the Moruya Bypass Action Group warning us about the "Sydney Based" Transport For NSW surveyors roaming our area.

To compare a Sydney based make up artist employed by a Reality Television Production company, who I believe allegedly broke public health orders by her after hours social activities, with government or government contracted professionals going about their business, is in my opinion "to draw an exceedingly long bow". The letter seems to imply that these people are putting the health and the economic welfare of our community at risk by their presence in our region. Since their work is predominately outdoors and lock down restrictions preclude any socialising in our pubs, clubs and restaurants, I am not sure where the risk is, other than they are not locals. The story behind the index case that caused our current lock down is well known and was not a visiting Transport for NSW employee or sub contractor.

The article subsequently informs us that the the department is “Zooming in remotely to discuss acquiring properties for their preferred route with hapless landowners who are being played off against one another". To the best of my knowledge and experience most non auction negotiations for the purchase of land are made on a one for one basis in private and not conducted in public at the RSL Hall or around the bar at the Air Raid Tavern.

I have offered my opinions in these pages in the past on the Moruya Bypass Action groups claims on lack of consultation, no currently defined link to the proposed Regional Hospital etc so I will not comment further on these statements. The letter does to me seem to imply that the Department is using the current pandemic as a "fig leaf" to push their plans through regardless of public opinion. If all work on major projects ceased because of the pandemic, it would lay waste to jobs and the economy. Also to suggest that the Regional Hospital Development is being starved of funds to progress the bypass is in my opinion another "long bow".

It seems to me a shame that the Action Group who in the past have made some highly valid points have resorted again in my opinion to presenting some highly emotional and fairly loose claims, it does their cause no good and does not contribute to rational debate about the project.

In conclusion I ask the community not to seize the pitchfork, hay rake etc at the sight of a hi viz clad surveyor. They may be from the council or in the land of our worst nightmares possibly the "Federals" surveying the site of the proposed retirement home for the power plants from our next submarine fleet. If that is the case to say "Huston we have a problem" is most likely an understatement.

Paul Carter

Moruya