Speed limits on council-controlled roads in Pacific Paradise will be reduced to 40km/h as part of a permanent safety change expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag said a works order had recently been generated, with the timing dependent on when new signage is installed.
“The intent is that it would be in the next month,” Cr Bunnag said.
The change will apply to all council roads in the suburb currently signed at 50km/h, effectively creating a 40km/h neighbourhood across most of Pacific Paradise.
Cr Bunnag said the decision reflected the suburb’s village-style layout and high number of pedestrians.
“Pacific Paradise is a village atmosphere,” he said.
“We know there’s quite a lot of pedestrians that use this area. We’ve got a school right in the middle of it, a number of aged-care facilities and resort living for retirees.”
He said limited footpaths in parts of the suburb meant some residents were forced to walk or ride on the road.
“It’s really about making sure that people who are having to walk on the road, or having to ride their bikes, are in a low-speed environment. That’s the assessment that’s been made by our traffic engineers.”
Related stories: Speed limit reduction along major roads and Speed limit to be reduced as intersection gets overhaul
The councillor said the change followed requests from residents, particularly families and elderly pedestrians.
“We’ve had requests from residents about lowering speed limits across the board, particularly in Pacific Paradise,” he said.
“There are lots of young families, lots of kids riding around on their bikes, and a lot of elderly pedestrians who are vulnerable road users.”
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
David Low Way will remain at 60km/h, with no immediate change to the speed limit, as it is a state-controlled road.
Cr Bunnag said council was developing a structured program of pedestrian safety upgrades along David Low Way and intended to make future requests to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, including potential speed limit changes.
“We’ve got a number of different projects that we want to put to TMR around how they can actually fix David Low Way,” he said.
Cr Bunnag said community feedback about the speed limit changes so far had been positive.
“We think that given the amount of support we’ve had from residents, it’s going to be well received and will hopefully make a difference in terms of safety,” he said.
