UPDATE: A community is demanding urgent action to fix the perilous Bringagee Road, which has been left unsealed and hazardous for over a decade. Residents are calling for immediate road improvements after a tragic accident in 2008 left local man John Hanckel confined to a wheelchair, highlighting the road’s dangers.
The Griffith City Council has announced that sealing the road, which stretches between Carrathool and Griffith, will not occur until 2029, leaving residents frustrated and fearful for their safety. “It takes 15 minutes to travel just 10 kilometers on this road,” shared local advocate Ron Pearson, who has been rallying support to expedite repairs.
The statistics are alarming. Each day, school children traverse this dangerous route, while GPS systems often mislead drivers into using Bringagee Road, resulting in accidents. Pearson has collected over 1,000 signatures in a grassroots campaign urging the council to prioritize this critical safety issue.
“I did it once, and it was that rough,” Pearson recalled, emphasizing the risks faced by families and elderly residents who are forced to navigate treacherous conditions. Hanckel’s words resonate with the community: “Sealing the dirt section of Bringagee Road will save lives,” he stated, reflecting on his life-changing accident.
Despite the community’s advocacy, the council insists that other roads require attention first. “There is a future forecast for sealing of Bringagee Road in the Roads to Recovery funding, with 2029 being the earliest date,” explained Phil King, Director of Infrastructure and Operations with the Griffith City Council.
Residents are left wondering why safety improvements are delayed, especially as funding for other projects, such as the Manly Pool, ballooned from $30 million to $120 million. “This disparity is frustrating,” Pearson lamented, stressing that the cost of human life should be the priority.
As the community pushes for action, Helen Dalton‘s office stated they are committed to assisting in the campaign, urging residents to voice their concerns. “We need people out there to step up and make their voices heard,” Pearson implored.
The question remains: how many more accidents will it take for authorities to act? The community’s pain is palpable as they await change. Each day of delay could result in another preventable tragedy.
Residents are encouraged to contact The Riverine Grazier to add their voice to the cause and support the push for road upgrades. Every letter of support counts in this urgent campaign to ensure safer passage for all.
The time for action is NOW. Join the movement to get Bringagee Road sealed and protect lives in our community.
