No Stopping zones for Junee RFS sheds

NEW safety measures are being introduced outside Rural Fire Service (RFS) sheds across the Junee Shire amid growing fears that parked cars are blocking emergency access during critical callouts.

The move follows increasing concerns raised by RFS volunteers, who say vehicles are routinely parking across shed entry points, particularly in village areas where playgrounds, halls and community facilities sit close to fire stations.

With the fire season upon us, officials warn the obstruction risk could become far more serious.

The Junee Local Transport Forum (LTF) examined the issue at its October meeting and recommended a series of changes which were adopted by Council, aimed at ensuring emergency vehicles can depart without delay.

Under the plan, No Stopping signs will be installed on either side of RFS shed driveways when requested by local brigades, and yellow hatched “keep clear” zones will be painted directly in front of shed entrances.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Council says these measures will be implemented in consultation with the RFS at each affected site.

In a report presented to councillors, staff noted a spike in access problems at village stations.

“Rural Fire Service (RFS) have been having increased concerns around vehicles parking in front of their sheds within the Junee villages,” the report stated.

“This is likely due to the proximity of playgrounds, village halls and other high-trafficked areas to the sheds, and when these overfill, it results in overflow parking crossing the RFS entry points.”

The first upgrade will take place at Old Junee, where the shed driveway blends closely with surrounding parking spaces, making it difficult for motorists to distinguish the access point.

No Stopping signs have already been installed outside Junee’s local RFS station on Lord Street, and council said it will work with the RFS to identify further priority locations.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Parking crackdown near licorice factory

A separate set of no-stopping zones are also earmarked to be installed around the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory after residents raised concerns about unsafe parking by visitors, particularly those driving large caravans.

Residents living on Lord, Duke and Gloucester Streets told Council that visitors often park too close to intersections and bends, creating hazards for local traffic.

“Junee residents have been having increased concerns around vehicles parking in unsafe locations,” Council said.

“These visitors are encouraged to the area, however, this should not be at the expense of the residents from a safety perspective.”

Following discussions at the LTF, the committee recommended 10-metre No Stopping zones on all approaches to the intersection where Duke and Gloucester Streets meet Lord Street.

Councillors endorsed the change, with affected residents and the Licorice Factory to receive at least two weeks’ notice before signs go up.

What is the Local Transport Forum?

The Local Transport Forum is Council’s new technical advisory committee, replacing the former Local Traffic Committee.

While it provides expert recommendations on traffic management, signage, heavy vehicle regulation, detours and event impacts, it does not make binding decisions.

Members no longer hold voting powers and instead reach positions through consensus before forwarding advice to Council.

Core forum membership includes representatives from Council, Transport for NSW, NSW Police and local Members of Parliament.