​Linda Martin

On behalf of the families and children of Noosaville, I raise the issue of a safe pedestrian crossing at Eumundi-Noosa Road, Noosaville. For many of us, simply crossing the road every day has become a terrifying ordeal. About that? Our community is in constant danger on Eumundi-Noosa Road, specifically between Beckmans Road roundabout and bigger 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 2km out of his way for a safe crossing on his already 10km ride to and from high school. Begging to walk or ride to their schools but parents who are afraid to let them and then there is people that do break the crossing. 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? Since at least 2018, residents have requested a safe pedestrian crossing or an underpass to cross Eumundi-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, 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 to cross. 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 as to say dangerous. Positions. Directly on either side of the 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. Lives depend on it. 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 in crossing this busy section of road. It has been stated by Council that the need for safer and more convenient crossings on the Monday Noosa Road has been identified as part of the recent update to the Walking and Cycling Strategy. Apparently, Council intends to investigate options to improve pedestrian movements, including signalised crossings as part of the Noosa 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 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. We request the time bracket that the Noosa study traffic update will the be will conducted. Be data on the findings of the Noosa traffic study update. We request data of accidents along Beckmans Road and Eumundi-Noosa Road 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 Teresa and Good Shepherd Lutheran College. We also request a civil engineer's 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 in the near future. It's currently sitting at 319 signatures, but it is expected to gather a lot more momentum as it moves through our community. Thank you for your time.

The first question, when will Noosa Council meet? First question, when will Noosa Council's traffic study update be completed and findings be released specifically in relation to a safe pedestrian crossing on Eumundi-Noosa Road in the vicinity between Beckmans and Rene Street roundabout?

Thank you. I'd like to ask how exactly is safe access to the new footpath as part of the Tewantin bypass on Eumundi-Noosa Road to be gained with the current non-connecting paths and lack of a safe pedestrian crossing in the vicinity?