Traders worried business could bypass their shops

Kim Waters
Drysdale traders fear “under-researched” calls for a bypass would lead to devastation of the town’s economy if successful, according to hardware salesman Chris Shultz.
He accused bypass supporters of blowing Drysdale’s traffic problems “out of proportion”.
The major impact of a bypass would be on the bottom line of Drysdale businesses, he warned.
“I live and work in Drysdale and the traffic situation is not as bad as everyone makes out,” he said.
“You get a little bit of traffic at the end of school and then some in the evening but that’s because the councillors put a traffic light between two major roundabouts – of course there’s going to be a bit of a hold-up.”
Mr Shultz said small businesses might not survive with a bypass.
“We get a lot of campers, truck drivers and holidaymakers coming through and they all stop at the local businesses for a look around or to buy food and drinks.
“I don’t think residents have stopped to think about what will happen to local trade if the bypass plans go through.”
Drysdale Clifton Springs Association secondary Patrick Hughes said research on the economic impact of bypasses on small towns was limited but “mostly negative”.
“I’ve tried to do a little bit of research to see whether a bypass is good or bad and it mostly said that relatively small towns like Drysdale and Clifton Springs can get into trouble unless their businesses prepare,” Mr Hughes said.
“Without that preparation it’s a bit like pulling the plug.
“We’d really like to see a lot more research on the advantages and disadvantages for traders in the region before anything else happens.”