The Mount Gambier City Council is seeking an urgent formal review into the intersection of Bay Road and Lake Terrace following an elected member’s demand for action to improve safety in the area.
Councillor Max Bruins brought the matter to the attention of council when it met for its August monthly meeting.
A recent accident in the vicinity of the intersection prompted Cr Bruins to submit a notice of motion “requesting for review into the high-risk intersection”.
“The catalyst for this motion was a recent accident that occurred at this intersection, where a vehicle travelling along Bay Road veered off and collided a Stobie pole and ended up in the front yard of a unit block there,” he said.
“This resulted in power outages, and it was at a time when children were walking home from school.
“It’s an intersection commonly known for being dangerous and high risk.
“SAPOL stats show in the last 10 years there has been at least 20 major accidents at that intersection. The number of near misses is quite substantial and concerning. Something needs to be done.”
Discussion around the notorious intersection prompted further discussion from other elected members at the meeting.
Cr Frank Morello said he would be in support of a broader recommendation for a review of high-risk intersections across Mount Gambier, not just at Bay Road/Lake Terrace.
Cr Morello revealed an accident occurred at his home where a vehicle collided with his front fence.
“There are other intersections that are dangerous. Where I live there has been multiple car accidents on a regular basis. Most recently one ended up through my limestone fence,” he said.
“There would be several intersections that would benefit from the review.”
However, Bay Road is not under council control and is managed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).
It was recommended Cr Morello submit a notice of motion relating to a review of council managed intersections to the September monthly meeting.
Following discussion, council resolved to write to Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Minister Dan Cregan requesting an urgent formal review into the intersection.
At the request of Cr Bruins, the letter will note the high number of motor vehicle accidents that occur at and the risk that accidents at the Bay Road/Lake Terrace intersection pose to pedestrians.
Cr Bruins also requested the letter note the broader impact of accidents at this intersection to the community, given there is above ground electricity infrastructure situated in areas frequently damaged by motor vehicle accidents.
The impact on residents and property owners in the vicinity of this intersection who frequently have boundary fences damaged will also be highlighted in the letter.
A copy of the letter will be sent to Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven, Infrastructure and Transport Regional Roads and Government Accountability Shadow Minister Ben Hood, and Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia.
Cr Lynagh did not engage in discussion, disclosing a general conflict of interest that he works for Minister Scriven.
Cr Lynagh remained in the meeting, however declared he would not move or second the motion, nor engage in discussion.
“The action that I am taking is sufficient to address and deal with my conflict adequately by not moving or seconding the motion or speaking to the motion. I intend to vote and represent the community with my vote as I feel that is important,” he said.
All elected members present at the meeting voted in favour of the motion.
