The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has opened a survey to gather community feedback on the future of the Fearn Avenue festival precinct.
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Local residents and road users were vocal in their opposition to the plan to open the road to traffic after it was closed for a number of weeks after the Main Street redevelopment was officially opened.
The previously two-way street was converted to one-way traffic at a speed limit of 10km per hour.
Residents expressed concern over safety of both pedestrians and drivers, with many pointing out that the area appears to be a plaza-style paved space, and does not look like a street for vehicles.
Others said they had become used to not using the road and preferred it as a pedestrian-only zone.
The Shire said opening Fearn Avenue to one-way traffic was supported during an extensive consultation process, but that it was aware community sentiment may have shifted since the Main Street project was completed.
Shire CEO Stephanie Addison-Brown said the survey today would assist in determining the final view of the matter.
"We don't want to pre-empt the outcome of a full and thorough consultation process but we are aware of the sentiment being expressed by social media users," she said.
"We now need to provide the wider community, outside of our social audiences, the opportunity to comment via a formal consultation process.
"Please tell us your thoughts about traffic access on Fearn Avenue, and share with us your visions for the precinct into the future.
"The ownership the community has shown over their own townsite is fantastic and we would love for that engagement and interest to continue."
The survey is open to everyone who wishes to participate until 4pm Friday 23 April 2021 at www.yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/fearn-avenue
