Residents concerned about road safety have taken their call for lower speed limits to Noosa Council.
A 100-signature petition, which seeks to reduce the speed limit to 60km/h on Black Mountain Range Road and Black Mountain Road, was presented to council at its ordinary meeting on August 20.
The current speed limits on Black Mountain Range Road and Black Mountain Road are both posted at 80km/h and 60km/h along various sections, with advisory speed warning signage installed along the road for road curvature and geometry.
The petition, submitted by Cecile Saraiva, was formally received by council, with councillors voting unanimously to refer it to CEO Larry Sengstock to determine the appropriate action.
The resolution was moved by Cr Brian Stockwell and seconded by Cr Jessica Phillips. All seven councillors voted in favour, with none against.
Ms Saraiva also appeared before councillors during the deputation section of the meeting, alongside David Jones and Anthony Slattery.
Council’s response to a separate speed-related question at the same meeting provides an indication of the process that could apply to a speed-limit request.
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Residents elsewhere in the shire raised concerns about speeding and increased traffic on Orealla Drive, Orient Drive, Southern Cross Drive, Dame Pattie Drive (all 50km/h, unposted) and Ben Lexcen Drive (posted 60km/h with 40km/h speed limits during active school hours), citing concerns for schoolchildren and older residents.
Council said an initial review of available connected-vehicle speed data indicated speeding may be an issue on Ben Lexcen Drive, Southern Cross Parade and Dame Patti Drive in Sunrise Beach, and those roads had been added to its proposed schedule for speed-limit reviews.
Council said speed limits are determined under Queensland’s Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, taking into account factors including road function, vehicle speeds, roadside activity and crash history.
As part of an assessment, council may undertake traffic counts and speed surveys to determine whether the existing speed environment is appropriate.
Any proposed speed-limit change must satisfy technical assessment criteria and be considered by the Speed Management Committee, which includes representatives from Noosa Council, Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Related stories: Speed limit under review on crash-prone road and Residents seek safer speeds near busy sporting precinct
Council also said requests are prioritised across the shire and resources are limited, meaning assessments may take several months.
Other measures could also be considered, including additional speed signage, advisory signage or, subject to funding and community consultation, traffic-calming treatments.
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