Linda Martin

12:36 Mayor Wilkie: And the deputation is from Linda Martin. Welcome Linda. If you could try speaking a little closer to the microphone please.

12:51 Speaker 5: On behalf of the families and children of Noosaville, I raise the issue of a safe pedestrian crossing at Yamundi Noosa Road, Noosaville. For many of us, simply crossing the road every day has become a terrifying ordeal. Our community is in constant danger on Yamundi Noosa Road, specifically between Bankmans Road roundabout and the biggest street roundabout. Every day, children and adults alike risk their lives. Some of the stories are confronting. An elderly man on his mobility scooter terrified to go out to do his shopping. A boy who is forced to ride two kilometres out of his way for a safe crossing on his already ten kilometre ride to and from high school. Kids begging to walk a ride to their schools, but parents too afraid to let them. And then there is fear. There are thousands of people that do break the crossing. Many, many more hair-raising close call stories. This issue has been raised repeatedly over the years, but has been disregarded every time due to cost. The question that haunts us all is, what is the cost of human life?

14:07 Since at least 2018 residents have requested a safe pedestrian crossing or an underpass to cross Yamundi Noosa Road. There has been numerous submissions made by residents and records show this has been raised in council on multiple occasions in years past. With earlier requests it was inferred that it may be a state matter. In recent years it has been established that it is a local matter. The community have reverted to council repeatedly with zero results. It is action we seek. Not reworded platitudes on potential future studies or discussions. There is an evident and urgent need to include a safe pedestrian crossing, specifically an underpass. This will benefit children travelling to and from the local schools such as Noosaville State, St Theresa's, Sunshine Beach High School, Good Shepherd and of course the entire Noosaville business precinct. What is perhaps not being realised is that this is a common junction point where anyone travelling to and from the entire Beckmans Road precinct through to the entire Noosaville business precinct, encompassing four major schools and the Noosa Civic Shopping Centre, are forced to cross.

15:34 They are forced to cross an extremely busy four lane road that currently makes no provision for a safe crossing. The current designated crossing points are ineffectual and I would go so far as to say dangerous positions. Directly on either side of traffic entering and exiting one of the busiest roundabouts in our Shire. Studies confirm that underpasses can reduce potential pedestrian vehicle collisions by almost 90%. If not an underpass, then traffic lights. Let the civil engineer decide. But just make a decision and put it in the budget. This is more than a plea for convenience. This is an urgent demand for safety. Let us not wait until a life is tragically lost to realise the value of pedestrian safety. The time to act is now. Prioritise our safety.

16:32 Councillor Wilson: Lives depend on it.

16:35 Speaker 5: Disappointingly, it has been confirmed a pedestrian underpass is not included. As part of the TMR's planning for the remaining stages of the Tewantin Bypass. Council and residents are aware of the difficulties in crossing this busy section of road. It has been stated by Council that the need for safer and more convenient crossings on the Mundinesa Road has been identified as part of the recent update to the walking and cycling strategy. Apparently, Council is not aware of the difficulties in crossing this busy section of road. Council intends to investigate options to improve pedestrian movements, including signalised crossings as part of the Noosa Traffic Study update. This would assess the suitability of such crossings. The Council is yet to provide a definitive response or assurance that this issue is being addressed with the urgency it deserves. We request a detailed plan on how this matter will be resolved. Additionally, residents seek a meeting with TMR and the Council to prioritise this issue.

17:51 We request the time bracket that the Noosa Traffic Study update will be conducted by and the data on the findings of the Noosa Traffic Study update. We request data of accidents along Beckmans Road and the Mundinesa Road. We also request a review of the road and roadblocks that have occurred over the past six years and demographic changes, such as a number of children and families now residing in Lake Boulevard and surrounding areas near St Theresa and Good Shepherd Lutheran College. We also request a Civil Engineers Plan to be drawn for a resolution. We seek assurance that these concerns will be taken seriously. I do also have a petition which will be submitted to the Council.