CHRISTINE WEBSTER and PAUL MITCHELL
A WAIKERIE business operator says a council plan to make his road one-way would have a disastrous impact on his livelihood – and potentially cost up to seven local jobs.
The unusually configured Francis Street comprises a short one-way section and a longer two-way stretch, but the District Council of Loxton Waikerie wants the entire road to become one-way, in order to improve safety in the Waikerie Foodland loading zone.
Council contends that trucks could park, reverse and unload at the supermarket more safely on a one-way street – running from McCoy Street to Pflaum Terrace.
However, McKay’s Auto owner Stuart McKay said his business would suffer a significant downturn in patronage under the proposed change, which he believes would also create a new traffic hazard and stifle traffic flow through the town’s CBD.
Francis Street is currently accessible via both McCoy Street and Pflaum Terrace, with a short section of the McCoy Street-end – finishing at the entry to a carpark behind Waikerie Foodland – already one-way.
Mr McKay is strongly opposed to the one-way-only plan – currently up for public consultation – and said it would reduce both vehicle and foot traffic to his business, which fronts Francis Street.
“One-way streets are bad for business and we’ll be at the ‘dead end’ of that street if it’s one-way,” he said.
“I’ve read material that shows that to be true; there’s plenty of evidence.
“We employ seven people and if this (change) goes through it’ll probably be the end of my business. That’s seven jobs gone in the town, plus a ratepaying business.”
Long trailers and caravans are regularly towed into the McKay’s Auto premises from the Pflaum Terrace side of Francis Street and Mr McKay claims that particular right-hand turn into his property is wider and safer than attempting a left-hand turn via the McCoy Street end.
He said towing a caravan into his carpark from the McCoy Street end would be “a nightmare”.
Council CEO David Beaton encouraged community members to express their views during the public consultation period, which ends on July 23.
Mr Beaton said the council had been working with a specialist traffic engineer on a design for the proposed changes to Francis Street.
“We have had the costing done and now we are having a discussion about the design and how it will affect people in the area,” he said.
“Obviously, we will listen to people when the consultation comes back…”
Mr Beaton also pointed out that the council had previously sold a Francis Street carpark to Mr McKay – adjacent to his business – to allow easier access to his premises.
“He can get into Francis Street via this land,” Mr Beaton said.
“(Mr McKay) certainly has his views and council will certainly listen to ensure we can find a way forward that is safe to the community.”
While acknowledging the need for a safe loading zone at Foodland, Mr McKay said his suggested solution of making the entire street two-way would satisfy all parties.
“A semi-trailer could load directly into the rear of Foodland and go forward, then turn left into the main street (McCoy Street),” he said.
“They go past the pub, turn left, and they’re gone.”
Mr McKay said having Francis Street entirely one-way would make the town “harder to navigate around”.
He also said that as the town’s RAA operator – covering a 30,000 square kilometre expanse, stretching to Burra – it was important his business remained open, including for tourists.
The Murray Pioneer understands Eudunda Farmers, which owns Waikerie Foodland, has written a letter to support council’s Francis Street proposal. The Waikerie Hotel Board declined to comment on the council’s Francis Street proposal.

Outspoken owner’s council concerns

STUART McKay is unhappy that a proposal to make Francis Street one-way is already being circulated to the community.
The plan is out for public consultation, but the outspoken owner of McKay’s Auto claims he has already raised concerns with council representatives, on
numerous occasions.
“I emailed the CEO and all the councillors because I wanted to facilitate a meeting here on site to discuss the worries I have,” he said.
“We’ve been given no input to this decision, and I don’t know why. Shouldn’t we be the first point of call for input, because it impacts our operation the most?
“Have there been any traffic-flow studies done? Have they put a traffic counter along Francis Street?
“We have a solution that doesn’t involve making Francis Street a one-way street, but council doesn’t want to know about it.”