Devastated south coast beef farmer says proposed Moruya bypass will ruin his business

Farmers say a proposed Princes Highway bypass cutting through some of the region’s most productive land will completely destroy their businesses if it goes ahead as planned.

A south coast beef farmer Peter Collett says his business could be completely destroyed if a proposed highway bypass route straight through his farm goes ahead.

Peter Collett, 74, runs an 80 hectare beef farm right in the middle of the proposed Moruya bypass route.

“This is the most productive land in the district,” Mr Collett said.

“They wouldn’t put a highway through a block of shops, but they don’t think about farms. My farm will be no longer be viable if the road goes ahead. My business will be a shambles.

“The bypass route chosen is a waste of money, they need to keep the town and farmers happy.”

Moruya beef farmer Peter Collett says his business will be ruined by the proposed bypass route.

The state and federal governments have poured $88 million to transform the Princes Highway program from south of Nowra stretching to the Victorian border. This funding includes planning on the Milton Ulladulla bypass, Jervis Bay to Sussex Inlet upgrade, the Jervis Bay Road intersection and the Moruya bypass.

Transport NSW said the preferred route was identified after a review of community feedback and “consideration of multiple strategic options”.

“This corridor will be used to develop design options for the bypass in the next phase of the project,” they said.

Moruya beef farmer Peter Collett says the proposed route runs through some of the region’s most productive land.

“The bypass would reduce congestion, improve connectivity, transport efficiency and safety for passing motorists and local transport users including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

“The bypass would also provide access to the new Eurobodalla Health Service.”

Mr Collett said with limited land available and the cost of properties “skyrocketing”, he will be unable to move cattle to new farmland.

“They should be able to choose a less disruptive place to put the bypass,” he said.

“We are quite devastated and astonished that there will be no access across our farm for two years while they build it.

“Many other farmers are trying to get the route changed.”

Julie Morgan, from the Moruya Bypass Action Group, said she was “extremely disappointed” with the consultation process, which began in the wake of the Black Summer bushfires and amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transport NSW's proposed route for the Moruya bypass. Picture: Transport NSW

She said the bypass would be the largest infrastructure project the town has ever seen.

“There’s a general sense that because the first session was held after the bushfires last year, people didn’t know it was on,” Ms Morgan said.

“We feel the small number of people at the sessions does not represent the community, and these sessions shaped the proposed route we now have.

“The whole process is questionable, and some elderly people are deeply traumatised.

“We should have a say on something we have to live with.”

Moruya resident of 34 years, Yvonne Matthews, lives beside the proposed route, which she described as “absolutely” crazy.

“They have chosen the longest, ugliest, most expensive and most polluting option,” she said.

Eurobodalla deputy mayor Robert Pollock said there should be more consultation with residents on the proposed route.

“There needs to be a lot more listening before a route is decided,” he said.

“Farmers and residents concerns are very valid, and there needs to be more dialogue.

“The people deserve that.”

The proposed Moruya bypass will cross the Moruya river. Picture: Transport NSW

Eurobodalla councillor Jack Tait said the bypass should be built quickly and take the most direct route, adding since construction of the Berry bypass the south coast town has “boomed”.

“I know Berry is closer to Sydney, but shops there have had a 100 per cent increase in sales and house prices have just skyrocketed because people stop there now because they know the streets are safe and clear of big trucks,” he said.

“I’ve looked at all the plans and I don’t understand why they don’t take the direct route, because the proposed route is very ambitious. We still don’t know when it will start or how much it will cost.

“I’m getting on a bit in age, so I might not ever see it happen.”

He said it’s not only farmers concerned about the proposed route, with concerns also held for potential impacts on the nearby Batemans Bay Marine Park.

“It will run right alongside the marine park, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to have the possibility of pollution,” he said.

Transport NSW has been contacted for further comment.