A WAIKERIE business operator claims he has been inundated with support since his fight against a one-way street proposal hit the headlines a fortnight ago.
Stuart McKay is opposed to a Loxton Waikerie council plan to convert Francis Street to an entirely one-way stretch, in order to improve safety in the Waikerie Foodland loading zone.
McKay’s Auto fronts Francis Street – which comprises a short one-way section and a longer two-way section – and Mr McKay says converting the entire road to one-way would have a detrimental effect on his business and potentially cost up to seven local jobs.
Public consultation on the plan closes this Friday, July 23, and Mr McKay says since speaking up in the Murray Pioneer earlier this month he has received plenty of support.
“Sh*tloads,” he said.
“I’ve got people wanting to sign forms of support, outlining why we don’t want a one-way street.
“These will get submitted to council, whether they’ll look at them or not I don’t know.”
However, Loxton Waikerie CEO, David Beaton, said recently council would “listen to people once the consultation comes back…”
Mr Beaton said the council had been working with a specialist traffic engineer on a design for the proposed changes, which would prohibit entering Francis Street from the Pflaum Terrace end.
Public consultation submissions must be sent via email, something Mr McKay believes could weaken his case.
“A number of older members of the community that I’ve spoken to are supportive of a two-way street,” he said.
“But they don’t use emails, so hopefully they come to me and I can somehow pass on their feedback.”
The council’s website says the process for developing the Francis Street design “occurred over several years and has included consultation with Foodland, the Waikerie Hotel and McKay’s Auto”.
Mr McKay claimed the council “only wants to listen to people who support a one-way street”.
He said creating a one-way street would impede traffic flow around the CBD.
Mr McKay also claimed that making a left-hand turn into his business – via the McCoy Street end of Francis Street – is difficult and less safe than entering via a right-hand turn from the Pflaum Terrace end.