Following on from the story in last week’s News Of The Area regarding a petition to bring about an important safety change to the design structure of the ’T’ intersection at Myall Way and Myall Quays Boulevarde, reporter Rebekka Cunningham spoke with Councillor Len Roberts from the Great Lakes Council for further comment.

“The Progress Association stressed their concerns to me prior to putting forward a petition to the public,” said Councillor Len Roberts.

“The council are fully aware of the inadequacy of this road, and we have shared these concerns with the Traffic Committee who make the final decision on what is going to happen.”

“However, the problem is not just with the road,” Mr Roberts said.

“The problem is that people are deliberately breaking the law at this intersection.”

“Council should not need to implement a change because people do the wrong thing, people need to slow down, take precaution and then it would not be as dangerous.”

Mr Roberts said, “This intersection is part of an ongoing development whereby lots of roads in this area are undergoing review.”

“What must also be remembered is, although the work is done through the council, it is funded by the state.”

“What I can say is that what the Progress Association has suggested as a solution, to me as a lay person, is a great solution and I was more than pleased to pass it on to the authorities for their consideration,” he told News Of The Area.

During the week there was also confusion around if in fact the Myall Quays Community Association (MQCA) were in support or not of the petition in circulation.

News Of The Area became aware of a letter that was circulated to Myall Quays residents saying the article published last week “Incorrectly States” referencing Myall Quays Community Association.

Information given to News Of The Area clearly stated that the MQCA were in support of the petition. However this may not be correct.

To seek clarification, News Of The Area spoke to Ron Green Secretary for MQCA DP 270100 who could not confirm if they are in support or not of the petition.

“It is not appropriate for the MQCA to adopt any position on this matter,” he said.

Mr Green said that the article (in last weeks’ News Of The Area) should have said ‘The Progress Association of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens in conjunction with the ‘concerned residents of Myall Quays’, rather than using any reference to MQCA.

 

Original story (published earlier)

THE Myall Quays Community Association along with the Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens Progress Association are seeking community support to help bring about an important safety change to the design structure of the “T” intersection at Myall Way and Myall Quays Boulevarde.

This intersection is the only entrance and exit to the main shopping centre of our district, it is also the only access to the Medical Centre, Puma Service Station and Home Hardware Store, not forgetting the 500 or so local residents in the area who need to use this intersection to gain access to their homes in Myall Quays Estate.

These action groups are looking to achieve a resolution to reduce the hazardous nature of this intersection given that traffic volumes have increased significantly over the past 10 years.

“We believe the proposal to Council to construct a “Roundabout” at this intersection will address the hazardous nature of the intersection and will also improve traffic flow in and out of the centre during peak times, reducing the likelihood of serious accidents occurring,” Lorraine Lock told the Myall Coast News.

A table will be set up outside of Coles this coming Thursday to Saturday, giving locals the opportunity to find out more information and sign the petition.

Myall Coast News will follow up with Council for comment in a future edition.

 

By Rebekka CUNNINGHAM