To begin with, I can say that the majority of those who contacted me agreed with my letter, which in essence argued that the bypass will reduce traffic congestion in Burrill Lake and Lake Tabourie rather than increase it.

I believe that those objecting to the proposed bypass have no rational or logical grounds to do so, since nowhere have they demonstrated how an increase in traffic congestion will occur.

In addition, they have not provided any reasonable alternatives to the current proposal other than to say, Go West.

My position is that the proposed bypass should proceed as planned as soon as possible. The following reasons are not necessarily listed in order of importance since we all have our own opinion.

Cost

The GWM wish to move the bypass route to the West, perhaps to follow Woodstock, Woodburn and Monkey Mountain roads. Since this route is approximately two to three times as long as the current proposal, therefore conservative estimates would suggest a cost increase of 2-3X the present budget of taxpayers' money to achieve this diversion for the road alone. In addition, significant costs would result from the resumptions of properties along the route. As a local resident, I would rather see some additional funding of our local hospital in Milton. We urgently require an MRI and CT scanner as well as full birthing facilities for our local mothers. I think it highly unlikely that the state government would see fit to increase its budget simply to placate some objectors whose position lacks merit.

Environment

Moving the bypass west would have massive ecological costs. The road would necessarily pass through Meroo National Park. This park is owned by all Australians. There would be unavoidable degradation of the flora and fauna, still struggling after the Currawan bushfire. Threatened species may be identified. The wetlands to the west would be damaged and polluted. These wetlands feed into both Burrill and Tabourie Lakes. These lakes have high conservation value and are major tourism attractions. Naturally, a major Environmental Impact Study would need to be undertaken. This study could potentially take years to be completed.

A western bypass would pass through farms and other rural properties. These residents bought their properties secure in the knowledge that a bypass would never affect them, since the current proposal has been planned for more than 20 years.

These rural owners may then choose to launch legal challenges. These matters would take years to resolve.

Aboriginal sites of significance

It is quite possible that such sites, until now undocumented, exist within Meroo National Park. Again, a detailed audit of such sites would need to be carried out.

Do we want any sites which may be found desecrated?

Compassion

A number of residents living in the western area lost their homes in last year's fires. They are now trying to rebuild their properties and lives.

Are these locals now to be shunted out of the way to make room for a bypass deviation which a minority are advocating? Again, these property owners would seem to have strong grounds for legal challenges.

I would like to think that the NSW state Government will make their final decision on the Milton/Ulladulla Bypass after a thorough consideration of the facts and data, rather than be influenced by a vocal minority of residents who appear to be fuelled by emotion.