Narrabri Shire Council will investigate additional safe pedestrian crossings on the main streets of Narrabri (Maitland Street), Wee Waa (Rose Street) and Boggabri (Merton Street).
The matter was raised at the August council meeting through a mayoral minute put forward by mayor Darrell Tiemens.
As part of the shire investigation, the council will look at pedestrian safety, demand and accessibility; priority locations and suitable crossing types; existing Disability Inclusion Action Plan actions; construction and maintenance costs; impacts on parking, loading zones, business and property access; impacts on traffic flow and congestion; and available grant funding.
“Safe and accessible crossings are important for residents, visitors and local businesses,” the mayoral minute states.
“Council should identify locations where additional crossings may improve pedestrian safety, particularly for children, older people and people with disability.”
Cr Tiemens told the meeting that the community had suggested additional crossings for some time. He said the council needed to respond to the suggestions by investigating the issue further.
“Of course, we’ve got to think about safety and we’ve got to think about accessibility,” Cr Tiemens said.
Cr Tiemens said the matter had to take into consideration the shire’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, potential costs and funding opportunities.
Cr Tiemens thanked councillors for bringing the matter to the council’s attention.
Cr Jocellin Jansson, who serves on the shire’s Inclusion and Access Committee, commended the mayoral minute.
On the topic of accessibility, she also raised the issue of a pram ramp being needed at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre car park.
A report outlining recommended locations, costs and impacts will be tabled at a future council meeting.
Any proposed works will require further approval from the council.
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