Transport says it has a plan but residents concerned ahead of summer

Authorities have confirmed contingency plans are in place in times of a natural disaster in the area of a major detour route, but this hasn't quelled the concerns of local residents. On Wednesday, August 19, politicians paid visit to the Great Western Highway closure at Mount Victoria, with both the state and federal governments committing $100 million each, for a total of $200 million, to help fund the road repairs. During their visit, NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, was asked if there was contingency plans in place, if a natural disaster was to close the Darling Causeway or Bells Line of Road and completely cut the Central West off from Sydney. She said Transport for NSW had been "working on the plans for the detour since day one" of its closure back in March. "I'm quite happy to direct Transport to be more transparent with the community about [what happens if a natural disaster closes the road], if there is a concern," she said. A spokesperson said Transport for NSW has plans and procedures in place to manage the state's road network in the event of any emergency or unplanned closure. "When emergencies or unplanned closures impact the state's road network, the first priority is to understand what has happened and where it has happened before then determining how to best manage and rectify the closure," they said. "In the event of a natural disaster, Transport works closely with emergency services agencies to ensure a coordinated response that prioritises the safety of all road users. "Transport has the legislated authority to coordinate access across the transport network. However, in the event of a natural disaster, this authority would be used in line with the relevant emergency management arrangements established by the responsible agency leading the response. "During any natural disaster, motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel until the threat has eased but, in the event of an extended closure of the main routes between Sydney and the Central West, the Golden Highway and Hume Highway have been identified as suitable alternative routes." The Blue Mountains has not endure a major bushfire since the 2019-20 season, in a time when the entire country was devastated, with more than 24 million hectares burnt. Early forecasts are indicating a dry, warm summer as El Nino is expected to strengthen over the summer months. It could result in hotter days and nights, extreme heat, lower rainfall, and increased danger of bushfires. With already one major route through the Blue Mountains already severed, Susan Alexander, a volunteer with the Clarence/Dargan RFS, said she's concerned about what will happen this summer. "What's going to happen if we have a fire with the road issues?" she said. "Like it could be the reality. You never know. Come this December we're seven years on and you just need to look at the ground cover around this area now. "It's really dense because of all that rain and we've got all these people who still throw cigarettes and rubbish out of their car."