Active transport is being encouraged by all levels of government but Yandina families are reluctant to walk their children to school because the footpath under the rail bridge on Ninderry Road is dangerous. 

“It is narrow and uneven due to tree roots and there is no protective barrier between the path and the road on the corner of a downhill gradient,” said Yandina and District Community Association president Marie Reeve.

YADCA knew sections of footpath in the heart of town and leading to school were poorly maintained or missing but it only became aware of how serious the situation was when it started collecting data to identify black spots in the footpath network. 

Two parents reported similar accidents where their child had gone off the edge of the uneven footpath to school and fallen onto the road. One mother had a baby in a pram and twins on bikes when one fell down the embankment into the path of on-coming traffic. “It was a very scary situation,” said Marie. 

Council was made aware of the potential danger over a year ago. “I can’t believe nothing has been done. This is a real safety concern. Council can’t claim ignorance if a tragic accident occurs.”

In a report to YADCA’s November meeting Div 10 Councillor David Law said “the path to the north of the school under the rail line has been a focus for more than 12 months after a conversation with a parent at one of my drop in sessions. I have provided feedback including photos and video that I made of the path to the relevant council team and I am trying to get the renovation of this path brought forward in the planned maintenance/renewal program. The path is partially fenced and I appreciate the concerns”. 

Marie said Yandina was experiencing rapid growth but it was still a compact, walkable town. “Many of the footpaths in the older part of town are grass or non existent which makes it difficult for parents with prams, children on bikes/scooters and people with a mobility device. 

“The town needs a connected network of priority footpaths which support and encourage active transport.” 

She said parking at the school was already difficult and there were State Government plans to build a new administration block and six more class rooms to accommodate the growth. 

“Why wouldn’t the Council and State Government be doing everything in their power to encourage families to walk or ride to school and reduce the traffic congestion and pressure on parking at school drop-off and pick-up times?”

In the Gubbie Gubbie language Yandina means “to go on foot”. “However the going is currently not easy or safe, particularly if you have a wheeled device,” said Marie. 

• To report unsafe or non existent footpaths in Yandina send your comments and photos to: secretary@yadca.org.