Manresa Ct residents at Athelstone to lose access to Gorge Rd, under proposed land swap deal with St Ignatius’ College
Residents caught in the middle of a land swap deal between the council and a prestigious private school are demanding answers.
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A land swap deal between a prestigious private school and Campbelltown Council has left residents furious and demanding answers.
The proposed deal with Athelstone’s Saint Ignatius’ College would result in the campus’s main access road, Manresa Court, being closed to all non-school traffic at Fifth Creek stopping drivers getting to Gorge Rd.
People living on Bakhill Rd and the eastern end of Manresa Court would instead gain access to Maryvale Rd via a new roundabout.
The council wants to improve traffic flow around the school and make it safer for students.
But Darryl Reid, who has lived on Bakhill Rd for 53 years, said the council backed the deal “behind closed doors” before consulting residents.
He said traffic in the area had never concerned him.
“We’re not up and down there all day long. This is an excuse that they’re making … no one’s ever complained.”
Mr Reid said about 10 ratepayers had met with council staff to question the deal.
Campbelltown Mayor Jill Whittaker said residents were “quickly engaged” after the council made a decision on the land swap.
“Staff have been respectful while conducting meaningful dialogue with nearby residents to ensure that the plan maintains a tranquil environment, safer traffic conditions, with a footpath provided to Gorge Rd for residents and additional landscaping,” Ms Whittaker said.
“The proposal is a safer option as children would be dropped off and picked up more easily with reduced traffic speeds.”
She said the creek line would also be enhanced with a new walking trail for residents to enjoy.
An amended plan would be discussed “soon” with local residents, Ms Whittaker said.
Saint Ignatius’ College Principal Peter Coffey supported consultation with residents.
He said the project was a “win-win” deal that would improve student safety and give residents better access to their homes.
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