VIEW ORIGINAL TEXT BY ANDREW MANGELSDORF, THE DAILY ADVERTISER
As a Wagga City Councillor, I’ve recently been raising alarms about the deteriorating state of our roads, particularly concerning Edison Road in East Wagga. A massive pothole on this crucial road has become a serious safety hazard, compelling drivers to navigate into oncoming traffic to avoid it. This situation is a clear indication that we urgently need to find more effective solutions for our road repair challenges.
In light of this, I’m advocating for Wagga City Council to conduct a comprehensive trial of the JCB Pothole Pro road repair machine. Over the past 18 months, I’ve been promoting this cutting-edge all-in-one pothole fixer, which I believe has the potential to transform how we manage road repairs across the city.
Currently, we’re grappling with a significant road repair backlog, estimated at about $92 million. The condition of our roads has noticeably worsened recently, and many major thoroughfares are still plagued with potholes. This backlog and deterioration highlight the urgent need for a more efficient and effective road repair solution.
The JCB Pothole Pro could be a game-changer. Unlike our current method, which requires three separate machines and three operators, the Pothole Pro consolidates this process into a single machine with one operator. While manual filling of potholes will still be necessary, the efficiency of this machine could significantly enhance our road repair operations and help us address the backlog more swiftly.
I’ve tabled a notice of motion for the upcoming council meeting, proposing that we undertake a detailed report on the Pothole Pro. This report will evaluate the machine’s suitability for our road network, compare it with our existing equipment, and outline a plan for a comprehensive trial. Additionally, I’ve suggested that we explore the possibility of involving other councils in this trial to maximize its benefits.
It’s crucial that we explore every viable option to improve our road repair processes and ensure the safety and quality of our roadways. I am hopeful that my fellow councillors will support this motion, allowing us to take a significant step forward in addressing our road repair challenges.
Cr Richard Foley
