The Shores Helensvale faces year-long isolation due to Coomera Connector

A Helensvale community is about to be “cut off” from the world by Coomera Connector works, with residents raising serious safety concerns while calling for solutions.

An entire community is about to be “cut off” from the world by Coomera Connector works.

The Shores in Helensvale has one entry and exit point – Ridgevale Dr – servicing hundreds of homes.

With stage one of the Coomera Connector underway, the existing bridge overpass, Ridgevale Dr, will close early next year for at least 12 months as a new bridge structure extending over the Coomera Connector is built.

Residents will gain vehicle access via a temporary detour from The Shores roundabout to Brisbane Rd, however the only pedestrian access available has been deemed insufficient by locals, with many citing it as too dangerous for use and too far for mobility impaired residents and the elderly.

The Shores at Helensvale is about to be cut off from the world by Coomera Connector works for about 12 months. Mum Suzi Hall in front of concerned Shores community members. Picture Glenn Hampson

Resident Suzi Hall said the enclave is set to lose all suitable pedestrian access upon the closure of the road – leaving anyone without a car stranded.

“The absence of pedestrian access for up to 12 months or longer will have significant impact on families in our community,” she said.

“Many residents, including children, parents, and the elderly, rely on these pathways for daily commutes, school travel, accessing local stores for necessities, access to public transport and general mobility.”

Location of The Shores in Helensvale beside Coomera Connector route. Only road in depicts that of Ridgevale Dr. Proposed pedestrian access is at the very southern end of estate through bushland pictured.

The mother of two said the extended disruption will not only cause major inconvenience to hundreds of people, but could also compromise safety and accessibility for those who do not have alternative transportation options.

Theodore MP Mark Boothman said pedestrians will still have access out of the estate via Urangan Ct across to Corinda Ct, however Ms Hall said herself and other residents with young children did not feel safe with them using it.

“There is a walkway that they’re suggesting people use, but that’s right down the end of the estate and actually goes through the bush – and there’s no lighting,” Ms Hall said.

Coomera Connector work besides The Shores at Helensvale. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I’ve two young girls, eight and 11. I wouldn’t be comfortable with them going down there – it’s very secluded. My 11-year-old daughter, she’s at the age where she goes bike riding with her friends that lives just across the bridge, this means for a year or more, she won’t be able to do so. There’s a corner store that a lot of people use regularly for essentials, takeaways, all that sort of stuff who would be cut off from all of that.”

Residents have suggested a bus for people without cars to help during the period.

Mr Boothman said he encourages residents affected to have their say in a Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) travel survey which closes April 11.

“(This) will further inform TMR’s response regarding pedestrian access and travel for residents of The Shores,” he said.

The Shores at Helensvale, Ridgevale Dr. Picture Glenn Hampson

“It is important that we minimise the impact on residents of the Shores whilst this major infrastructure is built on the northern Gold Coast.

“I will continue to urge the Coomera Connector team to complete the new bridge as quickly as possible.”

TMR were contacted for comment.

Originally published as The Shores Helensvale faces year-long isolation due to Coomera Connector