A Realistic Plea To Tasman Council: Keep The Key Road Open

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Economic Consequences of Road Closure

The economic impact of closing this key road in Appleby would be devastating. The ripple effects would be felt across various sectors, significantly impacting the local economy and the livelihoods of many residents. Businesses, particularly those reliant on through-traffic, would suffer considerable losses. The disruption to the free flow of goods and services would lead to reduced productivity and potentially force some businesses to close.

• Increased travel times for commuters and businesses: Longer commutes translate directly into lost productivity hours and increased fuel costs for individuals and businesses.
• Reduced access for tourists to Appleby's attractions and businesses: The closure would severely limit tourist access to local businesses, attractions, and accommodations, leading to a significant drop in tourism revenue.
• Potential decrease in property values due to reduced accessibility: Properties along the closed road, and even those in surrounding areas, could experience a decline in value due to reduced accessibility and convenience.
• Loss of revenue for local businesses reliant on through-traffic: Businesses dependent on passing trade, such as cafes, shops, and service stations, would face immediate and substantial financial losses. This could lead to job losses and further economic hardship within the community.

Impact on Community and Emergency Services

Beyond the economic repercussions, the proposed road closure poses serious threats to public safety and community well-being. Accessibility for residents, particularly those with limited mobility, would be severely hampered. Crucially, response times for emergency services would be significantly increased, putting lives at risk.

• Increased response times for ambulances, fire trucks, and police: Delays in emergency response could have life-threatening consequences for residents requiring urgent medical attention or facing other emergencies.
• Difficulty for residents accessing essential services like hospitals and schools: Increased travel times would create significant difficulties for residents accessing essential services, impacting education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
• Increased risk to vulnerable populations in case of emergencies: Elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and families with young children would be disproportionately affected by the lack of convenient access to essential services and emergency responders.
• Disruption to community events and gatherings: The road closure would severely impact the ability to host and attend community events, disrupting social connections and community spirit.

Alternative Solutions and Public Consultation

The Tasman Council's focus should shift from road closure to exploring viable alternatives that maintain road access while addressing any underlying concerns. Instead of drastic measures, the council should prioritize proactive and collaborative solutions. Open and transparent public consultation is paramount to finding mutually acceptable solutions.

• Implementation of traffic calming measures to address safety concerns: Instead of closure, implementing traffic calming measures like speed bumps or reduced speed limits could address safety concerns effectively.
• Investment in public transportation to reduce reliance on private vehicles: Investing in improved public transportation options would reduce congestion and alleviate the need for as many private vehicles on the road.
• Regular maintenance and repair of the existing road infrastructure: Investing in the regular maintenance and timely repair of the existing infrastructure is crucial for ensuring long-term road safety and accessibility.
• Holding a public forum to gather community input and address concerns: The council must engage in open dialogue with residents and businesses, actively seeking their input and addressing their concerns transparently.

Transparency and Accountability

The Tasman Council has a responsibility to be transparent and accountable to the community regarding the decision-making process surrounding this proposed road closure. The rationale behind the closure and the data used to justify it should be made publicly available. This will allow the community to evaluate the council's claims and make informed contributions to the discussion. Furthermore, robust stakeholder engagement is crucial to ensure that any decisions reflect the needs and interests of the affected residents and businesses.

Conclusion

The proposed closure of this key road in Appleby presents significant challenges for the community, jeopardizing economic stability, public safety, and community well-being. We believe that alternative solutions exist that could address concerns without resorting to complete closure. The potential negative consequences far outweigh any perceived benefits of closure. We urge the Tasman Council to reconsider its plans, prioritize open communication with the community, and explore viable alternatives that ensure this key road remains open, preserving vital access for all residents and businesses. Let your voice be heard – contact Tasman Council and demand they keep the key road open. Don't let this vital thoroughfare be closed; actively participate in shaping a more sustainable and accessible future for Appleby.