Does This Patched Up Pot Hole Do The Job In Durham Street, Mount Druitt?

So, we only posted yesterday Click here, the issues raised by local 'Developers' creating long pot holes and not attending to them at Durham Street, Mount Druitt. It is amazing how community stake holders have taken immediate action to provide a temporary solution.

A bit of bitumen patchwork work appears to be a temporary solution. As quoted by a local community person to myself, ' It is amazing how quick through social media that this pothole has been attended too.'

In the old days..... a letter would have to be written to Council and an Officer responds with investigating issue and then a lot of 'red tape'.  Now, with social media website like 'whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot and Face Book Pages, is acted and action-ed immediately as the whole community may be affected and reads these social media posts.

After inspecting the site this afternoon, it looks like a temporary job as there are  quite a few patches of bitumen on the long strip (raised up) and the strip is completely uneven on the road.

Left hope by next week, it is properly fixed up and the relevant penalties applied to the developers (if any).





You can see that the warning posts are on the developers side of the road, they are placed where multi-story apartments are being constructed, We still do not see any 'slow down' or 'Be Careful' signs warning motorists of possible risks to vehicles. We will wait for further  action and advice.

From Google Question and Answer:
Can I claim for damage to my car from potholes?

*In order to claim for the damage, you'll have to prove the pothole caused it - that the repairs you're having to shell out for were specifically caused by your impact with the pothole. ... If your vehicle already had a problem, and the pothole made it worse, you can still claim but you won't get the full repair costs back.

* seek legal advice, before you may a claim.

Click here on comments from local Face Book Groups

Local Developers Road Pot Holes, Need To Be Addressed Immediately: A Danger To Our Community & Motorists

As we have a few Developers building multi-story buildings/apartments around the Mount Druitt hub, mostly in the south side of the railway line, there is a current major problem with some potholes on road being created.

Pot holes on roads can be extremely damaging to all vehicles travelling over it. I have noticed in the last few weeks in Durham Street, Mount Druitt, a major crisis for all motorists. It may not be known to our wider community, that this is definitely a community issue that if not fixed immediately, accidents may happen with possible loss of life and damages to vehicles and community infrastucture. 

Yesterday, I had seen workmen on this road, which I thought they were attending to repair the damaged road. Today I was wrong. The problem was left there and not attended too. Before developers came into the area - there was no road work issues around. Now this seems to a major issue.

The site is based on Durham Street between Carlisle Avenue & Nelson Street, Mount Druitt. Just around the corner from Mount Druitt village. This is the actual site ( left picture) that affects the community of Mount Druitt. Three seems to be a patch up job job done but not completed. The potholes are a severely dangerous and may cause accidents on roads. There is no warning sign(s) provided to motorists on each of the approach to these pot holes and now, immediate action is required to be taken. We will need NSW Roads & Maritime Services and/or Blacktown City Council, in providing safer roads at Durham Street, Mount Druitt.

I am not too sure what laws or bi-laws of Council, where they can impose financial fines or any other form of compensation  to Developers and be directly provided back into our community. We wait in hope for an immediate response to this issue.

Luxford Road Mount Druitt - Still Has No Pedestrian Access Way/Walk Way

Here is a video with the physical explanation of  how a pedestrian access way/walk way  is required on the Eastern side of the Westfield entrance on Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt.

I have been campaigning for this  community improvement for years now. The last I heard, this was in the planning stage between Blacktown City Council and  NSW Roads and Maritime Services as they have to agree on the engineering aspects of it.

The video speaks for itself. We need a progress report as so far it would be 21 months since it was approved by  NSW Government.

Click here for video                                 

Click here for our previous post

Blacktown City Council Commencing Design Plans For Pedestrian Crossing - Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt - Hon. Edmond Atalla

As this saga goes on, we have  NSW State Member for Mount Druitt, Hon. Edmond Atalla, who is  standing up for the community, with his promise of being ' an advocate for the community'. He is also  ensuring that Mount Druitt receives proper upgrade and infrastructure we need to provide important improvements to our community.

On behalf of the Mount Druitt community, I have advocating for a new pedestrian crossing/access way  for almost 3 years. I didn't know it takes that long, but I am learning.

The new pedestrian crossing required, is based on the eastern side of  traffic lights, entrance to Westfield on Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt. We now have NSW RMS after approving this pedestrian crossing more than a year ago have this being referred back to Blacktown City Council for design. This is 'thanks' to Hon. Edmond Atalla, NSW State Member of Mount Druitt, raising his community advocacy hand and  seeing how vital this improvement is to the area.

Once the design is complete, then it will be referred to NSW for approval and seeking funding of 50/50 for this  project. It appears that this may come  shortly.

We have also included the letter from General Manager, from Blacktown City Council, explaining what they are doing  and also the Letter from Hon. Edmond Atalla confirming his  results so far. I personally would like to 'Thank' Hon. Edmond Atalla, who is working hard to get the best results for the community.

Click here - Fast Track Letter of Approval From NSW RMS

Click here for previous post

Follow Up On Pedestrian Phase/ Walk Way - Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt

It seems that this is a dragging saga now. Where we have been  lobbying/ advocating for a pedestrian phase/walk way, on the Eastern side of Luxford Road. entrance to Westfield Mount Druitt.
Click here for previous post 

Sometimes, it is  hard to chase up items of improvements and follow up on progress on it. This improvement was approved by an officer from NSW Roads and Maritime Services, last year, on the basis funding will be covered by NSW State government.  Now I believe the new officer looking into this matter understand the need for  the pedestrian phase/walk way but is unsure why it hasn't  move on properly. It was told to me that Council is seeking fund s for the project and it is with an Officer with Blacktown City Council that is handling it.

After being told by a NSW RMS officer that funding has been approved, now they are saying being  Luxford Road, is a Council-owned Road - Council needs to seek the funds to complete the improvement. Yet, if it was a State/Federal owned Road it  propably would have been completed.

So, where does this place the community in jeopardy of possible accidents, leading to death. It seems a bureaucratic football. If one team has the ball and passes the ball to the other team and they just drop the ball - who picks up the  ball and scores the 'community goal'?

We are waiting for a response from either NSW RMS or Blacktown City Council, to see how much longer the community has to wait after being told that before that  by August 2016 we should have this improvement completed as advised by the previous NSW RMS officer.

 
 

Response From NSW RMS - (Referred on By Blacktown City Council) Re: 'Kiss & Ride' and 'Park And Ride'

so , we are getting definition meaning son 'Kiss and Ride' compared to 'Park & Ride' and there is a distinct  result indicating that legally there is no enforceable fines, if community members park and wait for a pick up on North Parade Mount Druitt at  the 'Kiss  and Ride' designated area instead of 'Kiss and Ride - which is stop briefly, pick up/drop off or go.



So because it is legal to 'Park and Ride' as well as 'Kiss and Ride', I am suggesting that we need to officially increase the 'Kiss and Ride' drop off and pick up point, extended to eastern part of North Parade. This may resolve problem of  drivers not following 'Kiss and Ride' signs. Also, I think an explanation sign should be placed at that point so drivers are aware what a 'Kiss and Ride' means.


the suggestion to change to a 'Park and Ride' sign, was  simply to confirm what is happening at present most of the time. Personally, I do not think we need a park and ride sign at that exact spot but  it is suggest 'Park and Ride' could be placed  east of the 'Kiss and Ride' sign, on North Parade, North Mount Druitt.
 Here is the feed back from NSW RMS ( email received today):


Dear Mr Svoboda

Thank you for your suggestion to change ‘Kiss and Ride Area’ signs to ‘Park and Ride Area’ signs.

For your information, the Kiss and Ride Area sign is a supplementary sign, usually used in conjunction with a No Parking sign. The Kiss and Ride Area sign is used in this situation to emphasise the short stay, pick up/drop off purpose of the area. The Kiss and Ride Area sign is not enforceable by itself. Other parking control signs provide the time limit for the subject area.

Kiss and Ride Area signs are generally provided in busy areas with limited drop off zones, such as around schools and large shopping centres.

Changing a Kiss and Ride Area sign to Park and Ride Area sign would encourage drivers to park for longer periods (depending on the time limits for the particular area) and thereby limit or remove the capacity for drivers to drop off/pick up passengers in No Parking zones.

If you are concerned about a particular ‘Kiss and Ride Area’ sign, I recommend you speak with the relevant local council about your concerns.

If you have any further questions on this matter, Mr Chris Wong, Technical Officer at Roads and Maritime Services, would be pleased to take your call on (02) 8843 3070.

ref:_00D28HSVA._50028TMGtG:ref



Click  here for previous post

Response From Blacktown City Council - Traffic Management Officer

An email response 2 days from Blacktown City Council Traffic Management Officer, indicates they are interested at reviewing the 'kiss and Ride Signs' and referring to NSW Roads and maritime Services, which is part of Service NSW.

Maybe there might be a change in  signs or maybe not. The main thing is they have reviewed the issue and are thinking about it.

Here is the email sent  2 days ago:

"(Email name omitted)

Dear Mr Svoboda

Thank you for your suggestion to change the name of ‘Kiss & Ride area”. You have suggested that it is more appropriate to change ‘Kiss & Ride’  area into ‘Park & Ride’ area.

We have investigated this matter. ‘Kiss & Ride’ area sign is a supplementary sign used in ‘No Parking’ area.  ‘Kiss & Ride’ area is a standard Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) approved sign. Therefore Council cannot change the name of ‘Kiss & Ride’ sign. However we have requested RMS, they investigate this matter.

Regards

Senior Traffic Management Officer

Blacktown Council"

	18 Oct (2 days ago)
to me

Click here for previous post

Blacktown City Council - Transport Division - On The Go! - With Traffic Lights And An Extended Bridge

After speaking to a Blacktown City Council spokesperson today, there are  some new improvements coming on board on the drawing board.

They have heard that NSW Roads and Maritime Services is shortly going to work on the  Pedestrian Crossing access way on the eastern side of the traffic lights entrance to Westfield Mount Druitt. Click here for previous post.

Blacktown City Council have receive submission for a traffic lights to be installed at the corner of Kelly Close and Luxford Roads, Mount Druitt and also the Transport division has made recommendations to  NSW Roads And Maritime Services for a dual roadway on the Francis Road/ Railway Street and David overpass. The inhibiting fact is funding for the the dual overpass would cost $10M, which the NSW RMS is searching for - Click here for previous posts. Click here for previous post

Mount Druitt Gets 'Service NSW' At Westfield Mount Druitt - Westfield Mount Druitt

I missed this one. On the 9th February 2016, announcement from NSW Minister of Finance,  Services and Property, Dominic Perrottet, Service NSW one stop shop was announced to be opened in Mount Druitt, in the middle of the year.

"In addition to motor registry services, centres like the new Mount Druitt one-stop shop provide access to transactions such NSW Seniors Card applications, birth and marriage certificates, owner-builders permits, Opal card transactions and more."

Click here for Ministers Announcement in February 2016 

How did I find out - the sign on the former original Priceline Shop in Westfield Mount Druitt.

So what does this mean for Mount Druitt and surrounding communities: easier access to NSW State Government Departments, making life easier for all. make we all use this facility when it opens. This will make upset community members about the NSW RMS closing be happy now! What do you think about this?

We Want To Follow Up On Improvement on North Mount Druitt Pedestrian/Phase Walk Way!

It has been a while, since we have followed up on the pedestrian improvement for North Mount Druitt, Coles Entrance to Westfield, Mount Druitt.

We need to chase up with Blacktown City Council Transport Officers and and  also NSW Roads and Maritime Services, to check how the progress is going.

Click here on current updated video produced today 

Click here for previous post

Click here from approval letter from NSW RMS 

Bidwill Resident With Ideas For Bus Interchange Improvements!

We have reported on Mount Druitt Bus Interchanges overflowing bus traffic in the past and in peak times and to date, we have had no resolution, no head way in making progress in this field.

The important stake holders are not showing signs of  improvements at Mount Druitt Bus Interchange, at this stage and  all noises have been made to  try to get these improvements so far.

So there was a lady from Bidwill that made a suggestion nearly blew my mind and took myself a week to think about how to describe it and put this, in it's right context.

Simply, it is to have an extra Bus bay, for buses waiting for bus drivers to have their meal breaks or wait to commence new journeys. This bus bay would be constructed in the space between the lifts at North Parade to the old NSW Police Transit office, current where there is a bay for cars to park. Just about where the arrow is point below:

What we want to know is do you agree? I know what my thoughts are  and I think it is a commendable idea, may all the stake holders, will start working towards this. Let us know what you think in the mean time?

New Meacher Street Sign And Warning Sign Required!

Time and time again, we are constantly seeing the destruction via graffiti of road signs and street signs that need instant removal and replacement of. Defacing these is a criminal offense, from what I believe!

I'm not to sure if NSW Roads and Maritime Services does regular checks in our area as this is been like this for a few weeks. This is at the corner of Notley and Meacher Streets, Mount Druitt, we hope stake holders can attend to this immediately and make it a better place:

 Maybe, when they place the new signs up the fees/fines for defacing these signs should be added and displayed to the community! Just a thought!

Please if you see signs that need replacing email us with your name, suburb, where the street sign and provide a photo of it. We will then publish it for you and our community to give the great changes we need, making an improved Mount Druitt!

A Sugestion To Improve 'Kiss And Ride Point" North Parade, Mount Druitt - Mount Druitt Community Member!

Time and time again we talk about areas of improvements required by community members. Yet when you know this  community member more than you know other community members, that you have met in your time at Mount Druitt, your talking to someone you can depend on, for great ideas.

Kiss And Ride Point, North Parade, North Mount Druitt

So, this Mount Druitt community member loves the  'Kiss and Ride Point', which she uses quite frequently over many years and suggests that as more and more community members use the 'Kiss  And Ride Point', especially in peak times, yet there is limited car space to actually use this, when completely used. So, alleviate any future issues as our community grows, she has suggested that the car spaces west of the North Parade downstairs lifts could be made into an extended pathway and  a 'Kiss And Ride Point' driving bay constructed, so that more commuters could be picked up or dropped of more conveniently  by cars driving into the bay. The removing of these car spaces is minimal and be replaced in due time with the future expansion (in due time) on the Mount Druitt Commuters Car Park.


A great small improvement, that could be taken up by  all public transport stake holders from Blacktown City Council, NSW Roads and Maritime Services and NSW Transport (Sydney Trains).

Check Out NSW RMS Western Sydney Infrustructure Improvements - Not Much Within Blacktown LGA!

This is an update from the NSW Government from Roads & Maritime Services. Not Much is happening Within Blacktown Local Government Area but in saying that plenty happening around. It is good to keep ourselves informed on it and I found it interesting. So here it is:

Click for it

Young Drivers Risk Losing Their Drivers License And Then Losing Cars - What Can They Do?

In my young days, passing a driving test and obtaining a drivers license was a privilege. It was the first step of breaking out of being a teenager (although you still were).

Although, I was not the best role model for my community at that time as much as I would like to have been, I've only had a few minor demerit points and fines applied to myself for mistakes made. Paid fines immediately and then learned from my mistakes.

Of many recent years, I do drive within speed limits as to each destinations I travel too. I'll try to keep within NSW RMS* laws: acts and regulations on road and road safety.

Today, to pass tests it is mostly online, then you have to complete 120 hours f driving as learner with a full licensed driver beside you. After you do your practical test, then issued with P1 and  P2, in due process.

This is called the fragile period for our youth, who take on this period as ruling the road and possibly knowing that they risk points/fines, by showing their peer groups of friends, 'They can do better then them! NSW Police are aware that generally the young can be a risk on our roads and issue demerit points/ fines applicable to the offense. It is once they lose their license, go to court to attend hearing. Then they start to realise they have made their life may fall apart. Difficulty in reaching home, work or educational facilities. 

Sometime, it takes our young people many times before they understand their responsibility in behaviour with driving, their responsibility to act and be adult to their family, friends primarily to their own local community.

Sometimes the young ones are paying fines more then they are saving money. It makes the NSW Government coiffures happy as the more revenue collected, the more the State can spend on improvements on all types of infrastructure. I don't know which hurts more: losing demerit points or losing money and paying back government?

Obviously, finance loss is one hurt, but if you lose your license as well as paying back fines, both hurt. Let's hope that the young drivers of today do not take any risks of losing licenses, cars or money to pay fines, they think of theses consequences first and act favorably towards our road rules and follow them to the best of their ability.

Click here for demerit point loss and fines 

*NSW Roads and Maritime Services

Upgrades On Luxford Road, North Mount - Will We Get Our Pedestrian Crossing/Walkway At Westfield Mount Druitt Entrance?

A most of you know, I have been a strong advocate for road improvements on Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt for the last 2 years (and other roads as well). Luxford Road is a large circular road that can take you from Rooty Hill , through suburbs of Mount Druitt, Whalan, Tregear, Lethbridge Park, Shalvey, Bidwill and ending up up Plumpton/Oakhurst.

Here are possible pedestrian markings

If we become a silent community, nothing will be done! So creating noise, alarming stakeholders, making sure they get paid their money's worth is extremely important within our community. Some people advocate by contacting stake holders directly talking to them and/or writing to them. Blogging is my way of reaching out to the right people, that listen, learn, react and speak for, if they find it important to do so. They will then respond in their own time as some items of improvements may take time.
 
 
So it appears that we may get our pedestrian crossing at the eastern entrance of Westfield Mount Druitt! This has been the main focus for improvements has been and the greater feedback I have received from community members. That's why I took it on board!


Work has commenced as from 18th of this month, until completion.

 

Good Drivers Get Good Price On NSW Licences - This Is Good For Mount Druitt And Surrounding Communities- State Member To Publicise It!

The  hidden fact we don't know is that whilst we complain about high prices on consumable goods and services, any government department costs we  pa for. It is such great news that the current NSW Government's Roads and Maritime Services has recently implemented a great policy on good drivers.

I knew little or nothing about "Fair go for Safe Drivers" scheme announced on 29th June 2012, where Safe Drivers, with a clean record are offered 50% discount of their renewal.

This happened to myself yesterday and I was "gobblesmacked" with being told I get that much of a discount. A bigger discount then when we go shopping for anything from cars, houses to groceries!


I find this is a great initiative that the current NSW Government has
that needs to be promoted by State Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla, especially to our young driving members of our community, who appear to be vulnerable to road and police fines, demerit points loss or even loss of licence.

 How can Mr Atalla help us get this message across by being safe drivers they get a 50% discount?

This is one way of doing it, by publishing a blog here. If one person reads this blog and learns and gets a discount, I've done my job. What we also have to make sure is that any future State Governments do not remove this policy by any way possible as this is a small step that can be widely promoted (especially on Billboards on Mount Druitt Train Station)
 
Click here for previous NSW Transport story

Click here for further story on "Fair Go For Safe Drivers" scheme

From the NSW RMS