Great Western Highway Closure: Central West Businesses Face Uncertainty as Historic Bridge Remains Shut
The prolonged closure of the Great Western Highway, a vital artery connecting Sydney to the state’s Central West, is casting a long shadow over local economies. The shutdown at Victoria Pass, triggered by significant cracking and movement in the nearly 200-year-old Mitchell’s Causeway, also known as the Convict Bridge, is expected to last for a minimum of three months. This unexpected disruption is sending ripples through communities from Lithgow to Bathurst and beyond, with businesses and residents alike feeling the pinch.
Vicki Seccombe, the western regional director for Business NSW, highlighted the immediate and escalating impact on businesses across the Central West. “The flow-on effects have been quick and immediate and will probably grow as time goes on,” she stated, underscoring the severity of the situation.
A Funding Hurdle: When Disaster Isn’t “Natural”
A significant challenge facing the NSW government is how to fund the extensive repairs and support the affected communities. Unlike damage caused by floods or fires, the deterioration of the convict-built bridge doesn’t fit the government’s standard definition of a “natural disaster.” This means the usual disaster recovery funding mechanisms are not readily applicable.
NSW Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison acknowledged this unique predicament. “That is one of the challenges,” she admitted. “It’s not something we are used to dealing with, so we’re having to start again if you like.”
The state government is actively exploring solutions, with Premier Chris Minns confirming discussions about a financial support package are underway. However, as of Wednesday, no concrete announcements have been made for businesses, employees, or the broader region grappling with the consequences.
“All of the funds and resources and capital we currently have, we’re putting into fixing the road,” Mr Minns explained. He also indicated that if the closure proves prolonged, preliminary discussions have been held with the Commonwealth about providing assistance to local communities through the Recovery Minister.
Impact Beyond Infrastructure: Education and Tourism at Risk
The ramifications of the highway closure extend beyond immediate economic concerns. Charles Sturt University has voiced worries that Bathurst’s reputation as a desirable ‘uni town’ could be tarnished. Vice-Chancellor Renée Leon warned that potential students and their parents might reconsider studying in Bathurst if they perceive the journey to and from Sydney as too arduous.
“If future students and their parents see what a hazardous business it’s going to be getting up and down from Bathurst to Sydney, it quite well might deter them,” she said, adding, “We do feel pretty neglected here west of the divide.”
The detours implemented at Mount Victoria and Lithgow are forcing approximately 12,000 vehicles that previously used the Great Western Highway daily onto alternative routes, including the Bells Line of Road. This rerouting is bypassing the usually bustling townships of the Hartley Valley, leading to a significant downturn in local business.
- The Lolly Bug at Little Hartley: This local business has reported a staggering loss of about three-quarters of its usual foot traffic, currently relying heavily on the support of local residents to stay afloat.
- Accommodation and Events: Bed and breakfasts in Bathurst are experiencing cancellations, and a slight dip in attendance is anticipated for the upcoming Food Week event in Orange.
To mitigate some of the transport difficulties, additional free public transport services are being offered to facilitate travel between Bathurst and Katoomba.
A New Taskforce to Tackle the Crisis
In response to the widespread impact, the state government has established a new taskforce. This body will be jointly chaired by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW, aiming to serve as a central point of contact for government engagement with local councils, industry, and community stakeholders.
“We know this is impacting a very broad area … there’ll be different impacts felt in different areas,” Ms Aitchison commented, acknowledging the diverse nature of the disruption. “This is a really serious disruption, it’s having a huge impact on community. Business, small business, tourism, freight are all experiencing issues that’s why we have to have that broader response.”
The initiative will consolidate the efforts of numerous government agencies and ministers across portfolios such as Small Jobs and Tourism, Small Business, and Recovery. The goal is to streamline support for those affected by the prolonged highway closure.
“We’re talking about an area that is very resilient, we’re seeking to back that in,” Ms Aitchison added. The taskforce is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on Friday, March 20, marking a crucial step in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the Central West.
