And don't forget our footpaths

July 30, 2019

I have written to Central Coast Council on behalf of residents and staff of the Reynolds Court Retirement Village off Anne Finlay Place in Bateau Bay.

Village Liaison Officer, Jade Mitrovich alerted me to the lack of a footpath along the street apart from one small section.

“Normal daily activity like getting to the bus stop or walking to the bowling club is dangerous as there is no pathway,” Jade said.

“Residents walk on the road where cars are driving at 50km per hour or on the grass where there are many trip hazards from tree roots, gutters and muddy spots.

“I have concerns that a resident will get hit by a car walking on the road.”

I recently met Jade, Graeme Jeboult who is village maintenance supervisor and Kevin Johnstone, Vice President of the Residents’ Committee.

Within minutes of arriving in Anne Finlay Place, local resident Jim Hardie, aged 84, came walking down the middle of the road with his groceries.

The need for a footpath was immediately apparent.

Just as the Coast’s roads are in disrepair, too many busy streets and roads remain without footpaths. All levels of government need to work together to improve pedestrian safety.