DEAR News Of The Area,

I READ in the Examiner that $1.5 million has been spent on mitigation works to provide safe crossing for our iconic koalas on the Port Stephens Drive.

Yes, of course, their lives are worth saving.

I wonder though if the lives of the people who try to cross Bagnalls Beach Rd between the two parks (near Regis) are also worth saving?

There are two bus stops there which are used by residents of the neighbouring estates, school children, shoppers and residents of the Regis.

Each time I take my husband for a walk in the park (in a wheelchair) I take our lives in my hands to cross the road – a little sign saying “elderly people” does nothing to slow the vehicles zooming down the road (at considerably more than 50km).

I’m sure it would not cost anywhere near $1.5 million, especially as ramps are there already – all it needs is a zebra crossing just past the bust stop in the direction of the shopping centre.

I realise that the fence was a grant but it does not need such a grant to fix this simple but important matter.

Let’s save lives – all lives.

Sincerely,
Krystyna WINSLOW,
Salamander Bay.