Councillors call for more transparency over Quay roadblocks

TORQUAY residents are now closer to learning the fate of Quay estate’s roadblocks.

Earlier this month councillor Paul Barker proposed a notice of motion, requesting more information along with matters raised in three petitions about the road closures.

Councillors voted unanimously to refer the case to a shire manager for further consideration.

The motion comes after Torquay residents lodged a petition with 855 signatures calling for the immediate removal of the barriers.

“This notice of motion has generated from a large amount of concern by the community,” Cr Barker said.

The newly elected councillor recognised the “great deal of distress” the barrier has had on residents during the latest council meeting.

The complaints heard by council included the short notice residents where given prior to the road blockage and the lack of information about why the plastic barriers were implemented.

Cr Heather Wellington seconded the motion stating the rationale behind the move was unclear.

“Transparency and engagement have been words that I think we have all used and we have to recognise that we did not do well with that in this particular circumstance… we need to do better and the first part is to provide information to the community.”

The decision to close the four roads connecting the two estates has been a topic of debate since their instalment in July this year.

The petition states that signatories are concerned with this “intervention in the freedom of movement in breach with Road Management Regulations and Local Government Act”.

“If I cannot understand it, and I have got access to probably more information than the community has, then I do not understand how the community can.”

The issue will be readdressed at the December 8 council meeting.