Pedestrian crossing improves safety
It will be easier for students, parents, and teachers to reach the Pialba State School and Hervey Bay High School thanks to the installation of a new pedestrian crossings.
“Work has started on a project to install the raised crossing in Watson Street,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.
“The $437,000 project is part of Council’s Active Travel Strategy which aims to continually improve the safety of pedestrians as they move around the region and are partly funded through the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants program.
“Encouraging people to get out of their vehicles is an important part of our strategy for the region to minimise its carbon footprint and also helps improve the health of residents.”
The project includes replacing the existing paved footpath along Beach Road from Watson Street to the Esplanade with a 2.5m wide concrete path and a raised concrete priority crossing over Watson Street.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said investing in bike-riding projects was delivering positive benefits for local communities.
"We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike-riding infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs," Mr Bailey said.
"That's why the Queensland Government has committed $252 million in funding over the next four years to support and encourage bike riding across the state, including projects across the Fraser Coast region, to improve facilities for locals and tourists alike."
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari MP said it was important that as Hervey Bay grows, the local community embraces active transport options like cycling to move around our great environment.
“I am pleased programs like the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program are making Hervey Bay safer and more accessible to pedestrians,” Mr Tantari said.
“This project will improve the liveability of Hervey Bay and surrounds whilst providing an outlet for people to keep fit and healthy and enjoy our great region.”
CAPTION: Checking out the progress of the new footpath and pedestrian crossing are Deputy Mayor Darren Everard, Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari with the Hervey Bay High School 2022 leaders.