The following is a letter from Cowra mayor Bill West to myself in response to a petition I delivered to him regarding Kendal St.

"Dear Cec,

RE: Kendal Street upgrade - petition

Thank you for your petition regarding the upgrading of Kendal Street.

Council and Roads and Maritime Services have undertaken a detailed study of Cowra's CBD and prepared a master plan that addresses the issues and needs of all users.

The master plan was prepared over a number of years and included extensive community consultation with all affected parties. The master plan was prepared by the CBD working party, which was made up of representatives as determined by Council resolution 288/10 and included the Cowra Shire mayor (chairman), one Cowra Shire councillor, state member traffic committee representative, RTA representative, NSW Police representative, Emergency Services representative (fire, RFS, ambulance), Truck Industry Association representative, Cowra Business Chamber representative and an Access Committee representative.

Council received over 400 submissions regarding the proposed design, including from the business community. Cowra Business Chamber fully supports the proposal.

The design adopted, including the central median, was approved by Council, as it provided a balance between traffic flow, pedestrian safety and the needs of all users in the CBD. I also note your comment in relation to access by heavy machinery to Cowra Bridge and assure you that the access will remain unchanged.

Council are actively pursuing options to increase the available parking in other areas of the CBD to compensate for the loss of parking in Kendal Street.

For the reasons outlined above, Council will not be altering the design.

Yours faithfully,

Cr Bill West

Mayor

Letter provided by Cec Peterson, Cowra.