TONY WRIGHT QUESTION 1 Can Council explain in detail why it has chosen to implement a challenging path through four interconnecting residential streets with hills, intersections, bends and blindspots, rather than the simpler, viable, safer and less disruptive alternative route along the road reserve west of David Low Way (DLW)? RESPONSE PROVIDED BY SHAUN WALSH, DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Thank you for the question. Council did look closely at the David Low Way corridor during the Cycling and Walking Strategy. This study sought to plan safer, more connected walking and cycling routes between Tewantin and Peregian Beach and was supported by a Project Reference Group (PRG) made up of representatives from local residents’ associations, community and sporting groups, bike shops, and tourism providers. While it may appear simpler on a map, the David Low Way was not evaluated as a safe or feasible location for a walking and cycling route. The corridor carries high-speed traffic, has complex intersections, and includes narrow, uneven and environmentally sensitive areas in the western road reserve. Building a continuous, accessible pathway there would require major earthworks, vegetation removal and significant structural works, with a poorer safety outcome for users. In contrast, the Lorikeet Drive route scored the highest across all assessment criteria. Residential streets offer a quieter, low-stress environment that is safer and more comfortable for people of all ages, especially children, seniors and less-confident riders. Active Street treatments are specifically designed to manage bends, hills and intersections by slowing traffic, improving visibility and creating a calmer neighbourhood feel. Importantly, this route also delivers the best long-term connectivity - linking homes, parks, schools, the coastal pathway network and the village. It also enables Council to address existing issues along Lorikeet Drive such as drainage, kerb upgrades and local safety improvements. QUESTION 2 Can Council please explain how the implementation of a recreational cycle pathway through residential streets, focusing specifically on Active Street features such as a priority cycle zone, will provide any benefit to occupants of those streets? RESPONSE PROVIDED BY SHAUN WALSH, DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Thank you for the question. Firstly the existing street is already used by recreational cyclists. The Active Street is designed first and foremost to improve safety and liveability for the people who use these streets every day. While it will support recreational walking and cycling for the broader community, the locals also benefit. A 30km/h environment with traffic calming will create a quieter, calmer and more predictable street, making it safer to exit driveways, walk to the beach or visit the park. The project also delivers significant upgrades - new kerbing, improved drainage, footpaths resurfacing and the replacement of the Lorikeet Park bridge - all funded entirely by State and Federal grants. Features such as a priority cycling zone help organise how cars and bikes interact, reducing unpredictable movements and improving safety for both riders and drivers. Formalised parking and clearer sightlines also make day- to-day access easier and safer for residents. Beyond safety, the Active Street brings broader amenity benefits: more greenery, better pedestrian access and fewer short car trips, which means lower noise, cleaner air and a more pleasant neighbourhood feel. In short, while the route will be enjoyed by many, the people living along these streets will experience the greatest improvements in safety, infrastructure and overall street amenity. The meeting adjourned at 5.50pm. The meeting resumed at 6.08pm.
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