MP warns B-Line protesters they could get no new infrastructure for decades if they reject bus service
PITTWATER MP Rob Stokes has fired a warning shot at protesters against a B-Line extension to Newport, saying its rejection would mean no transport improvements for decades.
Manly
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ROB Stokes has fired a warning shot at protesters against a B-Line extension to Newport, saying its rejection would mean no transport improvements for decades.
It comes as organisers of a public rally on Sunday claim up to 1000 people will attend a protest at Newport Beach Surf Life Saving club.
Previously, the plan was for the double-decker buses to end at Mona Vale.
But a revised plan shows a large roundabout to help buses turn around on Barrenjoey Rd at Neptune Rd.
Mr Stokes, the Pittwater MP, said it was “perfectly appropriate” for them to rally.
“But I would encourage them not to just reject the proposal out-of-hand,” he said. “This is a once in generation opportunity to improve public transport, so I would encourage them to have an open mind.
“There won’t be another government looking at spending $500 million on transport for the beaches.”
A Transport spokesman said the extension would “provide more frequent, reliable bus services for customers”.
“Key stakeholders, including Northern Beaches Council, were supportive of the decision to extend based on community concern over the degree of interchange required for customers north of Mona Vale due to frequency and reliability.”
Peter Middleton, a member of the Newport Residents Association, said while a Transport Department advert looked plausible, the devil was in the detail.
“Every specific question you ask, there is no specific answer,” he said of consultation to date.
He said for the roundabout to be effective it would need to take out either six Norfolk Island Pines, or encroach private property.
“If this goes through it will be an unplanned disaster for Newpoprt and the villages north of that.”
Yesterday Mr Stokes defended the proposal.
“This is pre-consultation, these are the designs before we to the expense of creating a detailed design,” he said.
Mr Middleton said extending the B-Line north to Newport would see increased commuter parking similar to that experienced in Collaroy.
Previously Mr Stokes lashed out at “scaremongering” around the proposal, when a leaflet claiming Norfolk Pines lining Barrenjoy Rd would be removed.
He also dismissed claims of bus terminals on the beach and multi-storey carparks.