Gerringong entry closed

EMMA SPILLETT

espillett@kiamaindependent.com.au

GERRINGONG businesses have expressed concern for the economy of the town because of a temporary closure of the Omega/Fern St entrance.

Sydney Water closed the entry point last week to continue maintenance on a water pipeline.

The entry point is expected to be shut for two weeks, forcing residents and visitors to use the Belinda St entrance to get into the town.

MAS Traditional owner Phil McNeice said he had spoken to several business owners who were worried about the impact of the entry closure.

“Most of the stores are little, independent shops that rely on trade from people in the area, tourists driving through or visitors,” he said.

“If people can’t get into the town, they’re more likely to go past and head on through to Berry or Nowra.”

Mr McNeice said he was worried about the proposed time frame of the works.

“Sydney Water said all the work would take eight months to finish and now it’s been 18 months,” he said. “Now they’re saying the entry will be closed for two weeks … what if two weeks turns into four and four into six?

“I’m not saying they shouldn’t do the work, but they need to consider businesses and the way it will affect the town.”

Sydney Water spokesperson Brendan Elliot said work on the pipe main was critical, because they didn’t want to see the pipe fail.

“It’s a critical main and to my knowledge it supplies water to the whole town, so it’s essential that we get the work done,” he said.

Mr Elliot said he was aware of the issues for business owners and Sydney Water had ensured they held talks with business owners and residents before any closures.

“We will have variable message signs letting people know that businesses are open for trading,” he said.

The duration of the work was not likely to go longer than two weeks.

“There isn’t a whole lot of work left, but it is key work and we really can’t afford not to do it,” he said.

The owner of bellachara boutique hotel, Greg Currie, said he had no doubt the closure would affect his business.

“Twenty-three per cent of our business is drive-by, so it’s definitely going to affect us,” he said.

Mr Currie said he had “no confidence” the work would be completed in two weeks.

Gerringong Business Group co-ordinator Leanne Mitchell said the road closure would be an issue for retail frontage.

“The district will be really affected by it,” she said.