Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall with Moree Plains Shire Councillor Sue Price, local resident Kevin Hobday, and fellow residents of Thelma Rabbett Homes in Mungindi.
Wednesday, 2 August 2017
MUNGINDI residents will be able to cross their main street, the Carnarvon Highway, with added safety, thanks to a $47,860 NSW Government investment to build a new staggered pedestrian crossing with a secure centre refuge in the middle of their town.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall recently joined a number of the community’s senior citizens in Mungindi’s CBD to announce the good news.
“Members of the community raised their concerns with me about pedestrian safety when crossing the highway almost 18 months ago,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’ve been working closely with Moree Plains Shire Council, especially local Councillor Sue Price, on this solution which addresses the safety needs of pedestrians without shutting down a significant freight and traffic route for the region.
“I’m delighted with the result and this funding from the government means council can now get on with the job of constructing a new crossing for Mungindi residents.”
A busy border community, Mungindi’s main street is a major road freight access route for South West Queensland with B-doubles and other heavy vehicles barrelling through town with regularity. This presents some hazards for pedestrians, especially the elderly.
“This new crossing will be particularly helpful for the town’s senior residents, who currently have to contend with heavy traffic when crossing the road to pick up groceries or medication,” Mr Marshall said.
“Construction will start soon outside Thelma Rabbett Homes – and residents tell me it will provide a tremendous improvement to their quality of life and confidence crossing the road.”
The project was identified by Moree Plains Shire Council in its Operational Plan and 2017-18 Budget but was awaiting confirmation of funding from the state government.
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries said the project, partly funded by Council, would address a longstanding safety issue.
“We’ve heard these calls from the Mungindi community for some time,” Cr Humphries said. “This is a good solution that will not only help senior residents of the community, but improve safety for the entire town.”