BUSINESS operators have called for greater promotion of Penola’s tourism credentials to ensure potential visitors do not bypass the town when a heavy vehicle route is built around the town.
Views are mixed over last week’s announcement the Penola bypass will finally go ahead after the Liberal State Government allocated $2.8m to the project in its first budget.
The initial 2.5km section between Robe Road and Riddoch Highway was completed in 2015, but the final stage was halted due to lack of State Government funding until the recent budget announcement.
After more than 60 years of debate in the community about the route, possible impacts of a town detour and wrangling over which level of government would deliver funding, it will now be completed by 2020.
Penola business owners have supported the decision – which will see fewer heavy vehicles on the main street – but concerns linger about the impact it will have on tourism.
Local cafe owner Peter Robinson fears the bypass could impact on businesses.
As Mr Robinson owns a prominent cafe on the Chruch Street strip, he understands his alfresco dining is greatly impacted by trucks passing through the town, but believes the bypass negatives may outweigh the positives.
“Cattle trucks driving past are obviously not great for business, but not having any people in town is worse,” he said.
“Some of our best customers are people just passing through and grabbing a quick lunch on their way to either Naracoorte or Mount Gambier.
“If it will work out quicker for them to skip Penola all together, then that is what they are going to do.”
As a volunteer Country Fire Service member, Mr Robinson also has concerns about a high speed intersection in the wake of the fatal accident involving forestry workers at the southern end of the bypass two years ago.
“Attending a fatality is something I do not wish on anyone,” he said.
“So the possibility of vehicles merging at high speed definitely concerns me.
“I would hope it is addressed thoroughly to make sure nothing like that would ever occur again.”
Wattle Range chief executive Ben Gower said the council had been lobbying for the bypass for many years and was dedicated to preserving Penola’s tourism industry.
“We plan to put up a sign at either side of the bypass to make sure people know what an amazing town Penola is,” he said.
“I think it can only enhance the region’s tourism.
“Penola and Coonawarra are already destinations for travellers and now, without the added disruption of trucks, I believe it will be beneficial.”
The State Government funding comes after a Federal Government allocation remained available to complete the $14.6m second stage of the major infrastructure development.
Former Penola Business Association president Dru Reschke has been an avid campaigner for the bypass project and expressed his hopes for a bigger tourism push as the drivers will now have to turn off the highway to head into the township.
“Having spoken to both Mr Gower and Member for Barker Tony Pasin, both parties are committed to keeping trucks out and tourists in,” Mr Reschke said.
“I have full faith the Department of Transport can come up with a solution other than just signage to ensure Penola remains a thriving tourist town and not become like Tailem Bend, where the main street has been forgotten.
“The bypass is an amazing win for Penola, we just need a few small tweaks to get the best from it.”
Merrett Logging spokesperson John Merrett has praised the project, stating his drivers are more than happy to stay out of the main street.
“It is too narrow and people are always opening car doors, so it is will be a great thing for us to have another option,” he said.
“As long as it is done correctly, it should be more efficient for all drivers.
“We do not want to see high speed intersections as it may lead to accidents – in Adelaide there are overpasses to help avoid mishaps on the road – so I hope this will be properly addressed.”
Mr Merrett said it was unfortunate the bypass would not include eastbound traffic as his trucks frequently travel interstate to south west Victoria, but the southern leg of the bypass had already benefited his drivers.
