Torquay North reunited at last

AFTER on-going community outcry the controversial Quay and Quay 2 roadblocks have officially been removed.

The roadblocks which have been a topic of contention for Torquay residents since their instalment in July this year, gained 85 signatories calling for the immediate removal.

Earlier this month Cr Paul Barker moved a notice of motion to request more information regarding the roadblocks along with matters raised in three petitions opposing the road closures.

A week later the removal of the blocks was confirmed by the Shire causing many residents to gather in the streets to celebrate.

Councillor Heather Wellington joined Cr Barker at the public celebrations last Sunday after the pair helped further the bid to remove the “unnecessary” divide.

“From my perspective, after talking to people on both sides of the barriers, there’s overwhelming support for their removal,” Cr Barker said.

The removal of the barriers comes as a relief for many residents who claimed the blockages intervened with their freedom of movement in breach with Road Management Regulations and Local Government Act.

This weekend will mark the first-time residents have had access to Glengarry, Inshore, Marine and Centreside drives since early July.

Quay 2 estate manager Adriana Falcone said the removal has bound the two estates together again after months of separation.

“We’ve always been community-driven and very close here, and it was nice to see that many people supporting what we were trying to do,” she said.