Community calls for safer road

FOLLOWING the revamp of Meredith Skatepark and rec reserve amenities in July, members of the community have expressed concerns regarding road safety for the facilities’ nearby street.

Resident, Bev Loveday, said the increased traffic down Wilson Street, which runs parallel to the reserve’s entrances, has made the conditions on an already poorly-made road worse.

“Because we don’t have footpaths here, a lot of times the children will have to walk or ride on the road,” she said.

“People will come here to use the toilets and so you gets tradesmen and small vans coming through here. We’re looking for safety for the kids.

“This is one of our worst streets. It’s not wide enough, there’s no guttering or footpaths. Once you get two cars parked opposite each other there’s nowhere to go through in the middle.”

Ms Loveday said a local police officer has been lobbying for changes to Wilson Street such as speed humps and a reduction of the road’s speed limit from 50kph to 40kph.

“It was Anthony’s idea when the skatepark started to happen because that’s a main thoroughfare to the toilets,” she said.

“He’d like to see speed humps and a speed reduction for the safety of the children. It’s more of an issue now the skatepark’s finished.

“I think he has brought this to council.”

A Golden Plains Shire spokesperson said concerns have been heard and that further infrastructure for the area is due to be assessed.

“Council has received community feedback on Wilson Street following the opening of the skatepark and associated increased usage,” the spokesperson said.

“Investigation and design of a parking area in the road reserve adjacent to the reserve is planned for this year with identified works to be constructed in 2024 subject to funding within existing budgets.

“Wilson Street is a local street and posted 50kph. Assessment of the street to reduce speed to 40kph will need to be undertaken and then submitted to the Department of Transport for approval.

“The costs for preparation of application, consultation and implementation would need to be assessed and the timing for this process is a minimum of six months.

“Other safety improvement works would fall under a road safety audit to identify opportunities.”