Locals within one of the Sunshine Coast’s fastest-growing areas are appealing for “urgently needed” safety measures at a major intersection after several “close calls”.
More than 200 people have signed a petition on change.org, calling for a left turn signal light to be installed at the junction of Recreation Drive and Flintwood Crescent.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said that authorities were aware of the matter, and they were “looking into it”.
The petition, started by Palmview resident Melissa Neal, stated the issue.
“This crossing is used every day by families with young children, yet restricted sightlines from corner vegetation and the lack of a dedicated left turn arrow place pedestrians in direct conflict with turning traffic,” it read.
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“It’s clear the current layout is unsafe. We are urgently asking council to install a left turn arrow and improve visibility at this intersection before a serious injury occurs.”
Ms Neal said she was prompted to start the petition after several startling incidents.
“My children and I cross the Recreation Drive and Flintwood Crescent intersection almost daily,” she said.
“Despite crossing lawfully on the green pedestrian signal, we’ve experienced multiple dangerous near misses with vehicles turning left and failing to give way.”
“As the area has grown, traffic volumes and driver behaviour have changed but the intersection design has not kept pace.
“After witnessing several close calls and realising how many local families shared the same concerns, we felt it was necessary to formally advocate for safer infrastructure before a serious incident occurs.”
Ms Neal detailed some of her family’s close calls.
“We’ve experienced multiple situations where vehicles turning left have not seen pedestrians crossing, particularly when traffic is busy or visibility is reduced,” she said.
“Cars often accelerate through gaps without anticipating people crossing, resulting in abrupt braking or pedestrians needing to stop suddenly mid-crossing.
“On one occasion, my son was riding his scooter and had the green pedestrian light. As he scooted onto the crossing, a car turning left failed to give way and slammed on its brakes, narrowly missing him. On another occasion, I was crossing with a pram, again on a green light, when a vehicle came rushing around the corner and almost hit us.
“What is especially concerning is that, in all of these instances, we were crossing legally.
“Many drivers do not appear to realise that pedestrians can have a green light at the same time as turning traffic, and that vehicles must give way. My mother and mother-in-law have also experienced near misses at this same intersection while walking the children.
“The most recent incident, where my children were less than a metre away from being hit, was the final straw. These repeated near misses highlight a serious safety issue, particularly for children who are smaller, less visible and less predictable.”
Ms Neal said the crossing was used daily, by families walking to school, parks and services, and there were heightened risks during morning and afternoon rush hours.
She said the council had acknowledged the community’s worries but “there has been little visible action or urgency”.
“The petition was launched because residents felt their concerns were not being adequately addressed and that stronger community advocacy was needed to prompt meaningful change.”
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She said the installation of a left turn signal or other traffic control measures “that clearly separate turning vehicles from pedestrian crossing movements” would make a significant difference.
“A left turn arrow would reduce driver uncertainty, slow turning behaviour and give pedestrians a predictable and protected crossing phase.”
The petition was shared on Facebook by local councillor Christian Dickson, and locals responded with their opinions.
“It is dangerous … with a lot of school kids crossing the intersection and cars fail to give way,” Saloni Patel said.
A council spokesperson confirmed officials have noted the feedback from residents in the area and are assessing the situation.
“Sunshine Coast Council is aware of community concerns in this zone and is looking into the matter,” they said.
A spokesperson for the developer of the Harmony estate said concerned residents could contact the council.
“AVID Property Group ensures every aspect of our master planned communities are delivered in line with council standards and policies,” they said.
“If residents have any proposed changes to council infrastructure, we recommend they raise these with council as they are best placed to assist.”
See the petition at change.org
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
