Council Calls On Governments To Ease Beaches Congestion

Mackay Regional Council is strongly advocating for state and federal funding to support a new local road connection that would help ease congestion on Mackay-Bucasia Road. The proposed extension of Reed Street to Norwood Parade, while not a long-term solution, presents a more immediate option that can be delivered faster than the construction of an entirely new road. This project would improve access for Northern Beaches residents without placing the financial burden on local ratepayers, addressing current traffic issues while longer-term infrastructure plans are developed.
An extension of Reed Street, adjacent to Northern Beaches State High School, to connect with Norwood Parade in Kerrisdale Estate, would provide the new route for local traffic, reducing the amount of traffic entering the roundabout at the bottom of Richmond Hill.
The new road would provide access to and from the Northern Beaches high school, the future Northern Beaches Community Hub and nearby commercial precinct.
It would also provide improved flood immunity for residents to access essential services, including a cyclone shelter at the high school, compared to the McCready’s Creek crossing on Mackay-Bucasia Road.
That crossing has previously been inundated by flood waters, cutting residents' access.
Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay-Bucasia Road, a state-controlled road, regularly experienced congestion during peak traffic periods in the morning and afternoon, creating delays.
He said the State Government currently had no committed funding to upgrade the road to ease congestion as the daily traffic counts didn’t meet required thresholds.
“Council has identified the Reed Street-Norwood Parade extension, as well as completing the missing link of Dawson Boulevard in Richmond, as local road projects that could help ease congestion on Mackay-Bucasia Road.
“We’ve listed the Reed-Street-Norwood Parade connection as a priority project, with Dawson Boulevard a second priority.”
Council has prepared an advocacy pack, including letters and brochures, for this project and others to be given to candidates for the upcoming State election and next year’s Federal election.

“We’ll advocate for funding for these key projects for our region in the lead-up to the State election and beyond,’’ Mayor Williamson said.
“We’ll be seeking funding opportunities from both State and Federal governments for many of these projects,’’ he said.
The other projects showcased in the advocacy packs include stage two of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Project, future stages of the Northern Beaches Community Hub, an upgrade of the Holts/Glenella-Richmond roads intersection, and a new flood levee adjacent to Cemetery Road and Shakespeare Street.
Funding is also being sought for major upgrades to BB Print Stadium.
CEO Scott Owen said the projects council was advocating funding for were selected as many of them were shovel ready.
“These projects have been identified as important projects that will improve liveability for our rate payers and residents,’’ he said.
“Our Mayor and Councillors, senior leadership and other stakeholders will be advocating for funding on behalf of council and our region.”
More information on each of the projects, including advocacy brochures, can be found at council’s Connecting Mackay website.

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Traffic congestion on the Mackay Bucasia Road is a daily problem for commuters. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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