On Tuesday night, Shoalhaven councillors unanimously passed measures to ease the traffic congestion at Hyams Beach during peak season.
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Council will work toward’s implementing Cr Andrew Guile’s plan to charge tourists, but not residents, to park in the small, coastal community.
Funds will be directed towards a scheme to improve parking infrastructure in the area.
Council will also work to address waste management, improve public toilet facilities and maintain their cleanliness.
Lois Sparks from Hyams Beach Villagers Association thanked Cr Guile for his notice of motion at the meeting.
“Thank you, we support all elements that relate to Hyams Beach,” she said.
“We need action now.”
Mrs Sparks emphasised residents welcome tourists to Hyams Beach.
“Congestion is a traffic problem, not a people problem,” she said.
“Our beaches have space for a thousand people, but the town only has space for a few hundred cars.
“Our key concern is safety.
“We have pedestrians walking on roads, narrow roads with cars parked on both sides, and only room for one-way traffic – there are going to be accidents.”
There are also plans in the works, lodged by Cr Kaye Gartner, to alleviate congestion by bussing visitors from Vincentia to Hyams Beach.
“We support that idea, and we also think action is required to deal with the peak Easter season,” Mrs Sparks said.
All of this work will be undertaken by the general manager and his delegates after local residents have been consulted, and their ideas have been taken on board.
