Dungog Shire Council has two proposals on display for the planned road works in Dowling Street between Mackay and Mary Streets –  with the public having until December 19 to comment.

While one proposal is to basically re-seal the road, the other proposal involves a vegetated median strip with a retaining wall.

Both proposals involve relocating the Hunter Water pipes which run down the centre of the street.

A group of Dowling Street residents who spoke to the Dungog Chronicle oppose the vegetated centre median plan, which they say will destroy the street’s iconic appeal.

“This is a radical remake of the street, not a repair of the road which we have always wanted,” said Andrew Leiboff.

“Dowling Street is famous for being a wide open street with uninterrupted views to the Barringtons and edged by historic homes.

“The (proposed) two narrow lanes with a wall in the middle is city planning and not at all in line with the expectations of the residents.”

He said a median strip would “literally divide a community.”

They have also raised council’s own council’s own Development Control Plan recognising the character of the street.

The group did not feel the council had given enough time for adequate consideration of the proposals by the community and to make a submission and appealed to the community to look at the plans and take into consideration the implications.

Steven Head raised safety issues for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians due to the restricted view a vegetated median strip and u-turn area could cause.

“A median strip is also contrary to the heritage aspect of Dowling Street,” he said.

The council will hold an information session on the proposed works on Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm at the Doug Walters pavilion.

The council’s plans can be viewed at the council administration building, Dungog library, Royal Hotel, Tinshed Brewery and Farmers Warehouse.

Earlier: Dowling Street upgrade on the way