Late last month, a mound of dirt was dumped by the Boorowa Council to block access to the controversial Old Wheeo/Fish River Road crossing.

Boorowa Council put a 1.5 metre-high earth cul-de-sac to avoid the possibility of people using the crossing which they say is not fit to be crossed.

Mayor Wendy Tuckerman said the dirt mound was placed at the end of Fish River Road before crown land area at the base of the bridge on the Boorowa side of the river.

A meeting was held on-site recently to discuss the future of the road closure.

In attendance was Cr Tuckerman and Council staff, Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor John Bell and his council representatives, Member for Burrinjuck Katrina Hodgkinson, Member for the Legislative Council Duncan Gay, representatives from Police, Rural Fire Service, Department of Lands and local residents.

According to Cr Wendy Tuckerman the on meeting was an opportunity for all parties concerned about the road closure to voice their opinions and and attempt to find a solution going forward.

“Boorowa Council had no other choice but to close the road and is currently seeking legal advice in relation to the barrier.

“Council is careful at doing the right thing towards their rate payers,” Cr Tuckerman said.

The upgrade of the crossing has been the subject of complex negotiations between Boorowa and Upper Lachlan shire councils along with the Department of Primary Industries’ fisheries section and the Department of Lands, which cares for the one hectare of crown land on the Boorowa side.

The Boorowa News has learnt there has been an Aboriginal claim against the crown land reserve.

Cr Tuckerman said the Boorowa Council and Upper Lachlan Shire Council has written to the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands and Rural Affairs, Tony Kelly in an effort to source funding to replace the dangerous crossing.