When we first came here, we liked our road, warts and all. To the kids' delight, we rattled over the wooden Pickering Bridge - it was so darn picturesque. In subsequent years, our community has been diversified by the in-coming of all sorts of folk, all with their particular vision for the future of our area. As traditional land use declines, some see industry as the way to go, some see the tourist dollar as our salvation. Some recognise the conflict issues that arise when the two are forced to co-exist.
Industry demands roads that cater to heavy vehicles.
Heavy vehicles impose a heavy burden of maintenance costs on country roads. Tourists need roads that minimize hazards in unfamiliar, often rugged, terrain, but which sit well with the country road image - picturesque escape routes from the highways they left behind. I find the proliferation of reflective signage can be disorientating after dark. Local authorities and Main Roads Dept. Grasses and exotic weeds will thrive.