Where is the Overpass?

AT the Council meeting on Monday night Cr Lee Watts asked about progress with the in-town rail overpass in Scone.

“After seeing the news and Gunnedah getting another overpass even though Scone asked the question first; I feel the need to ask where are we up to?” asked Cr Watts.

“I and I am sure fellow Councillors would like to see a formal report come to the next council meeting with correspondence over the last four years in relation to the overpass indicating the current status,” she said.

“Has Council made any meetings with federal or state representatives in relation to the Scone overpass if yes when? I am not speaking about the RMS,” Cr Lee Watts questioned.

Pointedly, Mayor Wayne Bedggood said to Council Watts that “we have discussed this”, to which Cr Watts persisted that her questions be addressed.

Mayor Bedggood did not directly answer if any meetings had occurred with state or federal politicians about the matter and instead said the new general manager would meet with people.

John Preston, Upper Hunter candidate for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party said it was disappointing that in four years nothing of significance had been done to progress the in-town rail overpass.

“You can hardly say as a regional Council that you have tried and failed when you have failed to try in the first place,” said Mr Preston.

“The exercise of twisting arms in Macquarie street is a political one, if you are going to leave it to a general manager you will be disappointed every time; I know from experience,” he said.

“There are countless examples where local councils pressed their case to state government for funding and had their arms twisted successfully.

“There is no shortage of resources as long as you are prepared to let a bit of skin and hair fly,” he said.

“We are not here to make friends with state government; they have neglected our plight for years and pressing our case for funding is nothing to be ashamed of,” John Preston said.

Related story: Not Even Trying.