Ten years’ hard work has been realised with the installation of three pedestrian refuges on Ocean Drive at Lake Cathie.
Progress association former secretary Jack Jones said the refuges had been the highest priority for the organisation.
“These pedestrian refuges provide an important link between the local shops and the popular foreshore reserve,” he said.
“We have been calling for their installation for more than a decade.
“During summer, the foreshore can attract up to 1000 people on any weekend. Ocean Drive is one of the busiest in the entire Hastings LGA and it has one of the widest sections.
“Given the amount of people – including children and older people – it is potentially one of the most dangerous places to cross. Fortunately, no one has been injured.
“The real issues are the width of the road, the amount of traffic and the people movements.”
Two other pedestrian crossing points – at the northern end of the reserve and south of the bridge – will be well used by school children.
Mr Jones said local residents are ‘very supportive of the works’.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council says the works are part of its pedestrian access and mobility plan.
Council says the aim of its plan is to coordinate investment in safe, convenient and connected pedestrian routes.
It provides a framework for developing pedestrian routes or areas identified by the community as important for walkability, safety, convenience and mobility.
The plan will continue the ongoing implementation of pedestrian facilities, with a particular focus on footpaths, kerb ramps and crossing facilities at critical locations.
Council’s plan will align with key principles and objectives identified in the Towards 2030 Community Strategic Plan, the Urban Growth Management Strategy 2010, the Transport Strategy and integration with Placemaking Principles.
