Chandos Street was returned to two-way traffic on Friday following a campaign by community members.

Gunnedah Shire Council made the controversial decision to make the street one-way in September 2014, which was overturned at an ordinary council meeting in December, last year. 

The council allocated $72,051 to undertake the works, which included reinstating the kerb to its original alignment, signage, pavement, waste disposal, and reinstalling the island.

A strong advocate for returning the street to dual traffic lanes was Kelvin resident and business owner, Jeff King, who said there had been vocal and online support since the street was re-opened, however some had expressed concerns about the cost.

“Great to see that everyone’s quite jubilant that I talk to about the street being two way again,” he said.

“It’s been about a three-year program. We had a public meeting probably about three years ago. We’d taken 5,000 signatures to Kevin Anderson who passed it on to the minister of local government and the minister said it was an issue basically to be taken to the polling booths on election day for our local council.”

Mr King said councillors Rob Hook, Colleen Fuller, David Moses and John Campbell had supported the community push.

“I’d also like to thank Jamie Chaffey for going through the process of a bit of community consultation and consulting with some other councillors rather than the captain’s call that’s happened with previous mayors,” he said.

“His new team is showing due diligence in decisions that are being made and then getting community reaction from business people and the Chamber of Commerce to see what their decisions are before making that decision.”

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was thankful to council staff for actioning the motion so quickly.

“I’m very pleased that the project has been delivered really promptly and under budget,” he said.

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