Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens reveals funding solution to fix horror Hedges Ave footpath

A State Government MP has offered a solution to traffic chaos along one of the Gold Coast’s wealthiest streets. Read his plan

Traffic chaos along one of the Gold Coast’s wealthiest streets can be fixed, with a State Government MP offering up an financial solution before a fatality occurs.

Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens told state parliament it is only a matter of time before a serious accident with cyclists and vehicles causes a fatality at Hedges Ave.

The Bulletin in a report late last month produced video showing vehicles speeding in the wrong direction on the one-way street and multiple incidents of cars hitting cyclists.

Mr Stevens believes a solution could be reached because Mayor Tom Tate has ruled out the immediate extension of the Oceanway project due to any infrastructure being sacrificial on the eroded beachfront.

Mr Tate earlier this month with engineers checked missing sections of the Oceanway, and confirmed his support of completing the 36 km-long pathway.

Mayor Tom Tate with council engineers checking where sections of the Oceanway would be built on the Gold Coast.

But council sources says the Mayor admits some missing sections — the area covers more than 9kms — will be difficult. A report by officers will go to council in May.

Mr Stevens is aware the council and government has agreed on 50-50 funding of a public active transport project as part of Light Rail Stage 3 works.

“With the council not proceeding with the beachfront Oceanway at Hedges Ave, that funding agreement should transfer to the upgrade of the footpath along Hedges Ave on that fifty-fifty basis,” he said.

Karen Martinson rides her 5 year old son Connor Martinson to school along the bike path on Hedges Ave at Mermaid.

In his speech last Thursday, he warned MPs that it was time to “bring the walkway into the 21st century” by extending the footpath width across the now dedicated cycleway.

The footpath is on the eastern side of the road which Mr Stevens notes “ironically goes against the one-way traffic flow”.

Residents walking along the payment regularly report high-speed cyclists who exceed the 30km/h speed limit.

“The 1960s power poles, cracked and uneven footpath and a tapestry of variable and difficult driveways hinder the safe and comfortable passage for the multitude of human traffic using this popular exercise route,” Mr Stevens said.

“With increased traffic using Hedges Ave, particularly because of the light rail incursion, it will only be a matter of time before a serious accident occurs, possibly even involving a fatality.

“There has been an agreement between the State Government and Gold Coast City Council to fund the Oceanway project on a fifty-fifty basis.”

The funding agreement could include the undergrounding of the powerlines “to bring a highly taxed area into the 21st century environment”.

Mr Stevens on Sunday confirmed he has been in talks with council officers on the project and recently met with area councillor Nick Marshall who was “on board” with his plans.

“A wide footpath similar to the footpath through Kurrawa Park would alleviate the missing link in the Gold Coast Oceanway project and would satisfy safety concerns and accessibility for thousands of exercise addicts — me included — both locals and tourists,” he said.

Ray Stevens working on solutions for Hedges Ave traffic nightmare.

“Following discussions with council officers and the local councillor, a detailed plan needs to be progressed immediately with costings and time frames put in place for council and state government consideration.

“This would be a substantial commitment that needs to be properly and seriously addressed, but the alternative of a life-threatening scenario is just not acceptable.

“With the projected population densities for this area of the Gold Coast — it is planned to host another 15,000 residents, plus the expected increase in tourist numbers to the Gold Coast, this infrastructure project is not a wish list project but an absolute necessity.”

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