Traffic congestion at Hyams Beach during the Summer months has forced some residents to flee their homes.
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It’s no secret Hyams Beach is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, which is why thousand of visitors flock to the town every summer. Their visits, however, are causing villagers to suffer.
In January, Shoalhaven mayor Amanda Findley said the popularity of the beach was “hideous” for residents.
Hyams Beach Villagers Association president Mark Crowther said it was the “perfect description”.
“I choose to go and stay elsewhere during peak periods,” he said.
“I’ve booked accommodation for the Australia Day weekend and I will not be here at Easter either.”
Village ratepayers will have the chance to discuss long-term issues to address the parking and traffic situation with council representatives at a meeting this weekend.
While Mr Crowther said plans for a solution had moved “at a glacial pace”, he was pleased a meeting was finally happening.
“Various motions passed by Council in the first half of the year have not been progressed in a timely way,” he said.
“The peak summer period is now upon us and we are now no closer to a longer-term solution.”
In recent months, Shoalhaven City Council has conducted a survey with residents, to improve the impacts of high traffic and visitor numbers during peak times.
However, Mr Crowther said the survey lacked detail and included options that had not previously been discussed with the wider community.
“We want to speak with council to impress on them the urgency to resolve the issues as we are frustrated at being told that Hyams Beach is a priority when this is not our experience,” he said.
“Rather than address the ongoing traffic issue council has chosen to put in place a series of short term and costly band-aid solutions. These measures are not sustainable and will not address pressures caused by the growing number of day visitors to the area.”
The Hyams Beach Villagers Association have raised a number of solutions, including limiting the number of cars entering the village to match the number of legal car spaces, which they hope council will consider.
“This is critical to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors and ensuring a relaxed experience for all,” Mr Crowther said.
The meeting will be held at the Vincentia Public School Hall from 2pm this Saturday, December 8.