Extended clearways proposal threatens Bulli businesses

Bulli could become a ‘ghost town’ if clearway conditions are extended

BULLI shop owners have raised concern that a proposal for extended clearways through the shopping centre, further reducing parking along the Prince’s Highway, could have a disastrous impact, forcing businesses to close.

The possibility of imposing further parking restrictions through the shopping centre has been on the drawing board since 2012, when State Labor MP for Keira, Ryan Park warned that extended clearways could see Bulli become a virtual ghost town.

Clearway conditions are already in place between 6.30am to 9.30am in the southbound lane through Bulli shopping centre, and between 3pm and 6pm in the northbound lane.

The Roads and Maritime Service is looking at clearway options to further manage traffic congestion by allowing motorists to use all available lanes during peak periods.

“We are currently investigating improvements to the Princes Highway at Bulli and Lawrence Hargrave Drive at Thirroul,” a spokesperson said.

The clearway option were part of a study to tackle mounting traffic congestion through Bulli and Thirroul. Transport for NSW investigated measures to improve the transport network along the existing road corridors.

The study area included the Princes Highway and Lawrence Hargrave Drive from Hospital Road at Bulli in the south, to Mary Street at Thirroul in the north.

The RMS said clearways could form part of a broader solution for Bulli and Thirroul, and is carrying out parking surveys to understand the number, location and customer use of existing parking in Bulli and Thirroul

The community and road users were invited to have their say about living and travelling in and around Bulli and Thirroul as part of planning future improvements. The opportunity to have input into the study ended earlier this month.

Transport for NSW says it is committed to providing safe, efficient and reliable journeys through Bulli and Thirroul while identifying ways to help to maintain the amenity in the town centres.

The spokesperson said the community will be kept informed as the project progresses.

The Bulli Times Gift Shop