An online petition to “revitalise Yass” began last week currently has 89 signatures after locals discussed the current state of Comur Street and its surrounding areas
Former Councillor and retired main street store-owner Allan McGrath sparked the petition after posting to social media photos of some areas of Yass’ main street, describing it as “unkempt, uncared for and uncared about”.
“Yass is the capital of the Yass Valley local government area. If you’re not looking after the premier town in the local government area, then what chance does the rest of the area have?”
“It sends all the wrong messages to the locals, the business community and to visitors of Yass,” he said.
Allan continued this sentiment and said Council are failing when it comes to looking after their town centre.
“The main street should be the beating heart of the community.”
“It’s become widespread neglect now, and those photos I took are within 100 metres of the newsagency. What’s the rest of the town look like?”
“The community deserves better and if we expect people to care for their own properties, I think Council should set the standard and they’re failing in that on all fronts,” said Allan.
Deborah Power, who started the online petition, believes the way Council use their resources needs to be reevaluated.
“I think the priority of spending needs to be looked at.”
“Looking around the town it is dishevelled, it is neglected, and I think it’s not a good look for tourism, it’s not good for residents and their morale. We want to feel proud of our town and I think it’s really important to do something about that,” she said.
Deborah believes the issues with the main street represent the far more significant issue of increased development, occurring at a rate that the local infrastructure cannot handle.
“My big gripe is that we have so many people moving to the area and are putting so many developments in. Our local infrastructure can’t cope with the influx of population.”
“If you can’t maintain what you’ve got, why would you be encouraging growth?” said Deborah.
The petition has received steady support since it was made public last week. With the hope, it can eventually be presented as evidence of communal displeasure to councillors.
To sign the petition, click here.
Max O’Driscoll
