Community
14 August, 2024
Safety first for children
PORT Douglas State School children will have a safer walk to and from school after Douglas Shire Council agreed to build a new shared path along St Crispins Avenue from Agincourt St.
The path will end opposite the school’s pedestrian crossing in Endeavour St. For some students it will mean one less road to cross before and after school, ultimately improving the safety for all road users.
School P&C Association president Peta Mitchell said she was “happy about the decision”.
“It’s going to be great, a real addition to the local area and help make kids get to school safely,” she said.
The council applied for funding to construct the shared path along St Crispins Avenue, joining a path from Agincourt St to the pedestrian crossing at the school entrance.
“Completing this missing link will improve safety by reducing the need to cross St Crispins Avenue to access the existing shared path. (The) council has received funding of $345,000 to complete the project,” a council report said.
“In addition to talking to the school and school P & C, and the eight homes along St Crispins Avenue, (the) council extended engagement to 26 households in Undine and Ribbon streets,” it said.
“Some residents along St Crispins Avenue did raise their concerns with the proposed project along St Crispins Avenue. Councillors met with residents from four households in St Crispins Avenue on June 28.”
Councillor Michael Rees told the council’s July 30 meeting that he “really struggled” with making a decision because of the concerns of residents. There is already a path on the other side of St Crispins Avenue.
However, he said after discussing the issue at workshops he believed it would make it safer for children getting to and from the school.
Cr Rees said the $345,000 cost would be fully met by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, instead of the council paying half, and was “the missing link”.
Cr Damian Meadows said “at the end of the day it is a safety issue”. He said residents had raised some valid points to consider alternatives but “ultimately it comes down to safety”.
“I am risk-averse and prefer to err on the side of caution,” Cr Meadows said.
Cr Abigail Noil, said while she acknowledged residents and their concerns, she would be supporting the path.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said it was “the missing link’ in St Crispins Avenue and was part of the school’s program “and we need to support that”.
