A FEW park benches and bins might be the usual features of a rest stop, but councillor Sam Romano wants to take the concept further to improve travellers’ experience.
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Councillors supported a motion on Tuesday night to investigate two rest stops for the Mitchell Highway – one on the Bathurst side in the area near Dairy Creek Road and one on the Molong side, at a location to be identified.
He asked for the stops to include a toilet block with a disabled toilet and security lighting, space for caravans to stop, a picnic area including barbecues with shaded seats and garbage bins, children’s play areas and large signs including a map of Orange and visitor attractions.
With a rest stop already on Chinaman’s Bend, Cr Romano said after the meeting he wanted the Dairy Creek Road stop added.
“Then you have one heading east and one heading west,” he said.
During the meeting, Cr Romano said he had been inspired by other stops around the state while travelling with his son for rugby games.
“I was amazed at the beautiful rest stops provided in the smallest communities and I was disappointed that Orange being a major rural centre, does not have anything like that,” he said.
The proposal will be considered in future budgets, but councillors also asked staff to seek funding from the state and federal governments given the Mitchell Highway was a state responsibility.
General manager Garry Styles said some rest stops on state highways were operated by their communities and others by NSW Roads and Maritime Services and there were funding opportunities.
Councillor Jason Hamling supported the proposal, as a father of three boys.
“It gives you another option rather than stopping at McDonald’s,” he said.
Councillor Stephen Nugent suggested better signage should also be added to promote the cafe and adventure playground off the Northern Distributor Road.