Baines Crescent construction affects traders

ONGOING construction at Baines Crescent has left Torquay businesses struggling, with car parks blocked, roads in poor condition and few answers about what is happening or when it will end.

The disruption is linked to the SMAP project, a 5,000km fibre-optic cable connecting Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

The project includes a landing station at Baines Crescent, with other work zones at Point Danger and Elephant Walk.

Business owners say they received little warning about the scale or timing of the works and that information has been difficult to obtain.

Some operators have questioned how the development was approved so quickly and with what they believe were “key steps skipped,” including proper engagement with local businesses.

Workers on the project have told this masthead they are unclear about timelines or what is happening in other parts of the build, despite working daily on the Baines Crescent section.

One operator, speaking on the condition of anonymity as they continue to pursue “proper channels,” described the situation as “a total s— show, a complete mess, basically cowboy stuff,” with road closures and machinery “popping up ad hoc every day” and “the street left filthy for customers.”

A meeting arranged between local business owners and the project’s Subco manager was cancelled the day before it was due to take place, after Subco was told the Surf Coast Times would be present and that businesses were seeking compensation.

Multiple businesses report that customer numbers have dropped sharply in recent weeks as people avoid the area.

Parking has been blocked at times, traffic controls have been patchy, and the road surface is often left dirty or damaged.

Operators say they want clarity on how the project was fast-tracked, how long the disruption will last, what is being built on the site, and whether they are eligible for compensation.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker’s office has told affected businesses it has urged the Surf Coast Shire to pressure Subco, the project lead, to improve communications and engagement.

Local businesses say they are yet to see improvements and are calling for a proper traffic management plan, more information, and compensation for lost trade.

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