A range of options have been presented to the community, including making several roads in the coastal town one way.
Maree Wauchope, CEO of Barunga West Council said with roads due to be upgraded next year as designated public roads, drivers must leave a three-metre gap between parked vehicles for emergency access.
“As a result, if Council is to allow roadside parking, we are faced with making some roads one way only,” Ms Wauchope said.
“The roads are very narrow and some houses have no driveways or areas to park on the property, so we know on-street parking is necessary.
“The roads we are considering making one way include the eastern leg of Whiting Road, Mullet Road and Trout Road which will impact about one-third of residents.”
Traffic management strategies for the junction at the western beach access point, or as locals call it ‘Beehive Corner’, also was discussed at a community consultation meeting, with locals contributing a range of different views about parking and vehicle beach access in the area.
Landscaping the foreshore areas and formal parking in the boat ramp areas were also hot topics of conversation and debate.
As with any local government area, the issue of fencing remains the most contentious. Fisherman Bay is no exception. The issue of fencing is one that must be addressed as Fisherman Bay modernises.
“Council’s planning expert is proposing open style fencing at a maximum height of 1.2 metres with conditions regarding setbacks,” Ms Wauchope said.
“We have had mixed reactions from the community to date, with some agreeing with the proposal, and others wanting higher fencing, and even some members of the community calling for no fencing at all.”
A drop-in community consultation session held on Saturday, December 17 was one of three planned with more dates for 2023 to be announced.
Fisherman Bay residents are being encouraged to complete feedback forms outlining any concerns with the proposals by the end of January 2023. Feedback forms and draft plans outlining options can be found on Council’s website or hard copies can be obtained from Council’s offices at Port Broughton and Bute.
Ms Wauchope said Council will need to finalise plans by April 2023 and works to implement the plans will be delivered once Bardavcol has finished construction works in August 2023.