Lismore, Nimbin & The Channon miss out on Pac Hwy signage

A LACK of clear and permanent signage on the Pacific Highway upgrade has the mayors of Lismore City Council and Byron Shire at loggerheads.

Pacific motorway signs to Bangalow and Lismore. Photo Marc Stapelberg / The Northern Star. Picture: Marc Stapelberg

A LACK of clear and permanent signage on the Pacific Highway upgrade has the mayors of Lismore City Council and Byron Shire at loggerheads.

Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell is concerned a lack of signage to Lismore, Nimbin and The Channon is resulting in motorists missing the turn off at Ewingsdale and being directed all the way to Ballina and back to get to Lismore and its villages.

Byron Shire mayor Simon Richardson supports the safer highway route via Ballina which alleviates Bangalow congestion.

Although a temporary sign exists, Cr Dowell questioned the influence of the Bangalow Chamber of Commerce and its Progress Association in Roads and Maritime Service's decision to omit direct route signage to Lismore via Bangalow.

"Frankly I'm annoyed that the views of a handful of people in Bangalow are being obstructionist and overly influential," she said.

"Lismore, after all, is the regional centre," she said.

Both mayors, while open to compromise, are unapologetic about going in to bat for the business interests of their respective constituents.

Byron Shire mayor, Simon Richardson

"When a $900m road has been built, it's not unreasonable to expect people to use it to get to Lismore. I agree better signage would be appropriate to The Channon, but leaving from the north to get to Lismore, it is quicker and easier to go via the highway.

However, the Byron mayor argued signposting Lismore was more contentious.

"The community of Bangalow have had a very busy road and have a had a lot of trucks going through its residential street for many years and have long looked forward to a reduction of traffic along Granuaille Rd. I would be totally understanding if they wanted to keep that road as lightly used as possible.

"The Lismore Bangalow Road is dangerous. It's a pretty shocking road - a nightmare drive at the best of times. It must only be a couple of minutes difference between using the old way or jumping on the highway and going via Ballina and Alstonville. We have to make sure we provide opportunities for our visitors to get to our destinations safely.

"I'm very happy to have a wider conversation to make sure the signage is appropriate for the local areas and the region."

Fence sitting

Cr Richardson refuted Cr Dowell's suggestion that the influence of The Bangalow Progress Society and Bangalow Chamber of Commerce was disproportionate.

"How can the Bangalow business community have too much influence when it didn't get what it asked for?" he said.

"I would argue that they (Bangalow business community) had virtually no influence. In the end the RMS sat with an ineffectual compromise. They have one sign up there that is meant to be for 12 months.

If that's not a symbol of fence sitting I don't know what is. They need to start taking a stand. It's highly appropriate and understandable that the Bangalow community would want less through traffic."

Lismore City Council mayor Jenny Dowell

"I've been relatively quiet on this matter but the issue of signage is getting much more serious and our council will be taking a stronger line. I've dissuaded councillors from moving a notice of motion because I believe we can work cooperatively with Byron Shire and the Roads and Maritime Service," she said.

Cr Dowell revealed Lismore City Council would be encouraging Nimbin Chamber of Commerce to raise its voice over the matter. "On Wednesday Economic Development Manager Mark Batten will be discussing the issue with the Nimbin business community.

"Lismore City Council will also be undertaking a study of the implication for local businesses," she said.

"I have pages of anecdotal evidence from lots of visiting people who are frustrated and late for gatherings. The Nimbin Visitor Information Centre and The Channon market are particularly affected."

"There is a temporary black on yellow sign but people are conditioned to look for green signs.

Cr Dowell is also concerned that if traffic volume in Bangalow Rd drops off too much, the road may be downgraded from Main Road status to local road meaning the councils will be totally responsible for costs of maintenance.

"The RMS release its traffic reports in March. We will be watching those numbers with interest," she said.

Towards a resolution

Cr Dowell said: "I've spoken with the Byron mayor urging him to consider agreeing to an alternate route sign to Lismore and Nimbin. The RMS Highway taskforce will consider alternate signage if the two councils agree. I'm hoping the Byron mayor will come to some compromise with Bangalow people."