Liz Albornoz: Ryde Council urged to build bollards to prevent another death

An MP has called on Ryde Council to spend part of a $591K grant earmarked for infrastructure on bollards near cafes and busy walkways to prevent another tragedy like that which resulted in the death of mum Liz Albornoz.

Federal member for Bennelong John Alexander recently announced that Ryde council will receive $2.45 million in federal funding. Picture: Supplied

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An MP is urging Ryde Council to spend more than half a million dollars in federal funding on bollards and other road safety devices to prevent a repeat of February’s Epping cafe tragedy.

Federal member for Bennelong John Alexander recently announced the council will receive $2.45 million in federal funding, of which $591,724 is earmarked for roads and infrastructure.

While it is up to Ryde Council to distribute the funds, Mr Alexander said he hopes to see money go towards safety devices such as bollards.

“I respect the council to spend the additional federal funding they’re receiving in an appropriate manner,” he said.

“However, I have expressed a preference for safety devices, such as bollards, at our shopping precincts be looked at. Devices that would separate cars and consumers going about their business at local shopping precincts.”

Liz Albornoz, with her husband Victor Simone. Liz was killed when a car ploughed into a cafe in North Epping, Sydney. Picture: Supplied

Flowers left as a memorial at the site where Liz Albornoz died after a car ploughed into a cafe she was dining at in North Epping. Photo: Jeremy Piper

“This preference comes in the wake of the tragic accident that occurred at North Epping shops recently.”

A car hit a group of mothers at a cafe on the corner of Roma Street and Malton Road in February.

Mother Liz Albornoz was killed and nine others were injured.

The Ryde grant comes after the Morrison government announced federal funding for local government was to be brought forward to this financial year to tackle the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Federal member for Bennelong John Alexander recently announced that Ryde council will receive $2.45 million in federal funding. Of the grant, $591,724 will be going towards a Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Picture: Facebook

Local resident Roseanna Gallo said she fully supported the safety initiative and investment into bollards.

“I think there should be a blueprint of how this should be spent on all shopping precincts where the public is sitting outside in cafes,” she said.

“There should be that protection (for diners) especially if there is a carpark outside.”

Ryde Council passed an urgency motion moved by Cr Jordan Lane last week to look into the use of the federal funding for the purpose of enhancing safety at local commercial zones.

Council has said it will consider options including a collaboration with the Federal member for Bennelong John Alexander to install safety structures (such as bollards) in local shopping precincts.

Other local governments including Hornsby and Parramatta will also be receiving funding as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.