ACity Council elected member is demanding action to improve the safety around an intersection in Mount Gambier notorious for traffic accidents.
The Bay Road/Lake Terrace intersection will be brought to the attention of City Council when it meets for its August monthly meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
A recent accident in the vicinity of the intersection has prompted Councillor Max Bruins to submit a notice of motion “requesting for review into the high-risk intersection”.
“I have personally witnessed quite a few accidents that have occurred at this intersection over the past few years,” Cr Bruins said.
“The most recent accident which saw a vehicle collide with electrical infrastructure before careering through a residential fence and down a small embankment clearly demonstrates the risks it poses.”
Cr Bruins said he has provided assistance to those suffering shock or other injuries whilst waiting for emergency services to arrive.
“It is time to demand action from the DIT (Department for Infrastructure and Transport) in relation to this intersection for the safety of the community,” he said.
“The intersection has a high level of vehicle traffic, poor visibility, a high level of pedestrian traffic including large numbers of children walking to and from nearby schools, and electrical infrastructure which is in the area where accidents typically occur.
“Action needs to be taken as a matter of urgency to improve the safety of this intersection before somebody gets seriously injured or killed.
“These factors combined with the number of crashes and near misses mean a review of traffic management here needs to be a priority.”
According to SA Police Traffic Intelligence and Planning Section, there have been 20 vehicle collisions recorded at the intersection between August 2014 and July 2024.
Cr Bruins intends to move a motion that council write to the Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Minister Dan Cregan requesting an urgent formal review at the “high-risk intersection”.
He wants the motion to note the high number of motor vehicle accidents that have occurred at this intersection, and the risk that accidents at the intersection pose to pedestrians.
Cr Bruins is also seeking the letter include the broader impact of accidents, given there is above ground electricity infrastructure situated in areas where motor vehicle accidents have occurred, as well as the impact on residents and property owners in the vicinity who have had boundary fences damaged.
He will request a copy of the letter be sent to Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven and Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional South Australia Ben Hood.
Cr Bruins has received the support of Mr Hood, who previously raised the issue in 2021.
“I first raised this issue back in 2021 and I thank Cr Bruins for continuing to call for solutions to this notoriously difficult intersection,” Mr Hood said.
“This road needs to be made safer for all our community.”
According to Mr Hood, a roundabout may be a viable solution.
“The government needs to conduct a review and look at all options to ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians at this intersection,” he said.
During his campaign in 2021, Mr Hood launched an online petition which attracted more than 600 signatures in support of a roundabout.
Mr Hood said the intersection was notoriously difficult to either turn right off Lake Terrace East or travel across Bay Road to Lake Terrace West because of the slope upwards to the south and the inability to see traffic from the Blue Lake precinct in time to safely turn or cross.
“The problem is particularly an issue during the busy period of school drop off and pick up as the intersection is used by many families from the east of Mount Gambier to access Reidy Park, Mount Gambier High and Tenison Woods College,” he said.
“During the weekends, the intersection is very busy with visitors to the city travelling to and from the Blue Lake precinct.”
Mr Hood said any improvement would also “allow the City of Mount Gambier to beautify the ‘gateway’ to the Blue Lake precinct”.
As someone who has lived in the area with his family, Mr Hood said he shares the concerns and believes the intersection should be made safer.
Meanwhile, City Council has developed a Shared Path Master Plan that takes into consideration the Bay Road/Lake Terrace intersection.
The master plan provides a roadmap for the development of shared paths and outlines prioritised actions to create a safer, more connected and inclusive community for all residents.
