A worried Sunshine Coast resident is urging the local council to take further steps to address a ‘shortcut’ road that features a sharp corner and persistent potholes.
Abbey Wendt labelled Slaughter Yard Road a “dangerous and unsealed” 1.65km stretch that required more attention.
But a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said it was regularly maintained, that there had been no recent reported incidents there and it was not a priority amid the region’s vast road network.
Ms Wendt said there were several issues along the route, which runs through parts of Eudlo and Ilkley.
“The road has a blind chicane on a crest,” she said.
“The road is reduced in width at several points due to the poor maintenance of the road.
“There are ruts and constant potholes.
“Gravel is strewn across Ilkley and McGilchrist roads (at either end of Slaughter Yard Road) and there is a sharp dog-leg corner.”
Ms Wendt said sections were “constantly” washed out but wild weather during the past couple of months had caused greater impact.
“Recent rains have washed the road out in several areas, making it unsafe for road users and pedestrians,” she said.
Ms Wendt lives along Sara Place, which connects to Slaughter Yard Road.
“So, I have to drive the road daily,” she said, adding that locals and travellers were affected by its condition.
“There are several businesses that operated from homes and Airbnbs, there are multi-generational families and the road is used as a shortcut frequently (between McGilchrist and Ilkley roads).
“Several neighbours have made complaints to council and our councillors.”
Ms Wendt said council conducted regular works on the road but they were short-term solutions.
“The road is graded once or twice a year and the road is constantly having potholes fixed or the dog-leg corner drainage fixed,” she said.
“We would love to see the whole road sealed.”
She said she had also requested a council assessment of the road but had not been provided with one.
The council spokesperson said workers had responded to six customer requests for road maintenance there during the past year.
They said no incidents or accidents were reported to police in connection with the road during the past five years.
The spokesperson essentially said the road, which likely got its name from the historical presence of a slaughter yard or abattoir, was not a priority.
“Slaughter Yard Road has low traffic numbers – less than 65 vehicles per day – and doesn’t provide a connection to a town or regional centre,” they said.
“Council’s road network spans 3137km with 473km of unsealed roads, maintained and monitored by council crews and contractors.
“Slaughter Yard Road, like other unsealed roads, is prioritised using a range of criteria and forms part of council’s annual capital budget development process.
“Between 2020 and 2024, council sealed 10.35km of unsealed roads at a cost of $19.4 million.”
The spokesperson urged drivers to be cautious on the road, especially after rain.
“All unsealed roads are prone to impacts from weather events and motorists are asked to be careful and adjust speeds accordingly,” they said.
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