Have Your Say: Zebra Crossings In Airlie Beach

As part of an Airlie Beach Main Street refresh Whitsunday Regional Council is proposing a trial to improve pedestrian safety by introducing zebra crossings.

Mayor Julie Hall said prior to proceeding with any trial, Council will seek further feedback from stakeholders and community on how best to prioritise pedestrian movements in Airlie Main Street.

“We want the community’s feedback on whether they favour zebra crossings, and if so how many that will still allow reasonable traffic flow for delivery trucks, taxis and buses,” she said.

“Council’s initial community consultation late last year showed that 56 per cent of respondents were in favour of prioritising foot traffic activity to make our main street safer for pedestrians.

“In the new survey, we are seeking community feedback to provide sentiment on the scale of pedestrian priority and exactly what we should trial.”

Over the next four weeks, commencing Monday September 11, Council will consult with stakeholders and community for their feedback on the installation of zebra crossings via Council’s Your Say Whitsunday online engagement portal – www.yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au and face to face with a stall at the Airlie

Beach Markets.

Help out by completing the online survey or filling out a hard copy form at any of the customer service centres, to tell us the type of user you are, how many zebra crossings we should trial and where.

Prior to the September school holidays Council teams are continuing with their refresh of the Main Street, lagoon and foreshore area with upgraded landscaping, new line marking, repairs and deep cleaning of the pavements, improved lighting and minor repairs to ensure the safety of all our locals and visitors.

Key works and impacts will include:

• Renewal of garden beds, including new soil, mulch and plantings
• New footpath and event food vans hardstand area at Broadwater Avenue
• Concrete highly trafficked and compacted grass areas in the Main Street
• Cleaning of street tiles and deep clean of taxi rank
• Renewed street line marking
• Driveway cut into kerb for Marketeers exit in Airlie Esplanade
• Expansion of Waterson Way overflow car park

There will be no change to bus stops, services will be facilitated through the single lane closure to minimise disruption. Through traffic should utilise Waterson Way and adhere to traffic controllers for direction.