Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton and Councillor Winston Johnston kindly attended an informal meeting to meet residents concerned about the impact changes might have on movement and access for residents of Sundale Village.

In December last year Department of Main Roads distributed information about proposed pedestrian improvements in Palmwoods which required feedback be submitted by January 21 2022.

Concerns raised at the meeting last Thursday included:

• concerns about the removal of parking spaces;

• the difficulties for residents who use mobility scooters to access shops and amenities on Margaret Street and the local area;  and 

• the potential increased traffic which will result from development within Palmwoods.

Both representatives were open and honest with their understanding of the concerns and expressed the views that the proposed plans were a short term or “band aid” for traffic flow problems that have affected Palmwoods for a number of years. 

Both also stated that although they can raise concerns and views of the residents the Department of Main Roads will make the final decision on all main roads directly leading into and out of towns. DMR in turn are required to comply with legislated standards. 

They said the safety of residents and road users was of primary importance and agreed  that of the three options proposed by DMR a crossing outside Rick’s Garage was the best, coupled with the traffic calming measures proposed. 

The potential safety issues confronting mobility scooters having to ride against the traffic flow when going up the hill along Margaret Street was something that would have to be given further consideration. 

The removal of parking spaces was not ideal as parking within Palmwoods is limited currently and the removal of parking spaces to create pedestrian crossings will reduce this further. 

However it was thought that the provision of safe crossing points outweighed the parking access. Mr Skelton and Cr Johnston will consider more ways to increase parking. 

Questions were raised about future developments in Palmwoods such as the light industrial sheds in Main Street, residential development on Palmwoods/Montville Road, the additional GemLife development and the proposed shopping centre development. 

Councillor Johnston said that there were plans for a roundabout at the Churchill Street intersection with Margaret Street and Palmwoods/Montville Road. This would be funded by the shopping centre developer and the council. It would be a smaller shopping centre footprint than originally proposed due to council requirements in consideration of potential traffic impacts. 

Mr Skelton said the problems shared by state and local planners in the hinterland area included preserving the integrity and environment of Palmwoods while trying to meet the growing needs of the area and ensuring in all cases that these changes are done with safety as the primary focus. 

Both representatives said they actively worked together for the best outcomes in the interests and concerns of their constituents.