BULLI ELECTORATE INTERSECTION UPGRADE
Mr McMANUS (Bulli) [6.23]: I raise an issue of pedestrian safety in my electorate. The intersection of Farrell Road and the Princes Highway has been a longstanding problem for the residents of Bulli and surrounding suburbs. In the 1970s numerous serious accidents occurred regularly at that intersection. When I was an alderman of Wollongong City Council I first became involved with this issue particularly because many aged people use the facilities adjacent to the intersection. This intersection provides access to Bulli District Hospital, which is in Hospital Road. Nearby is the newly established ambulance station and the community nursing service at which the elderly patients regularly attend. The pedestrian safety problem came to a head in the last couple of years and the Roads and Traffic Authority moved the original crossing 100 metres south to try to give protection to pedestrians. I appreciate the RTA undertaking that work, but it has not resolved the problem that the elderly and other residents face. The northern distributor has not yet been completed and the volume of traffic through this intersection still presents a pedestrian safety problem. I ask that the Minister for Local Government pass on to the Minister for Roads my concerns and those of my constituents.
If lives are to be protected, many things must be done to improve this intersection. Pedestrians have been knocked over, children knocked off bicycles and cars have suffered severe damage. The fact is that the northern distributor has not been completed to Bulli Pass yet development has continued in the region. The volume of traffic using the Princes Highway through Woonona into Bulli shopping centre has increased dramatically and, therefore, has increased the dangers for pedestrians. I suggest that the Minister first undertake an in-depth investigation of the use and safety of the crossing. Some weeks ago during inclement weather, and while travelling at the speed limit, my vision of the crossing was impaired because of its location. I almost collided with a young person on the crossing. The Minister should consider the possibility of installing more lighting to provide protection to the residents.
The traffic proceeds along the Princes Highway at a steady pace, so I suggest also that it may be appropriate to install traffic calming devices in that vicinity to slow down those drivers who, unfortunately, from time to time break the law by speeding. This action places members of the community and other drivers in danger. I trust that consideration will be given to undertaking these investigations. If we are not cognisant of these concerns, further traumas will occur at the intersection. It is only fair that those elderly people whom I represent, who are not as agile as they used to be - and we will all reach that stage at some time - are given adequate protection. I trust the Minister will take this matter into account.
Mr E. T. PAGE (Coogee - Minister for Local Government) [6.27]: The honourable member for Bulli has raised some valid concerns. I shall take the matter up with the responsible Minister.