Hedges Ave: Why Gold Coast’s most exclusive street must change

There’s no two ways around it, Hedges Ave needs an overhaul. But does that mean we can cancel the Oceanway? No way, Jose, says Ann Wason Moore

Porque no los dos?

It’s time to relocate that iconic phrase from Old El Paso to modern Mermaid Beach.

Because while politicians fight over whether a bike and footpath should run beachside or roadside down Hedges Ave, the little girl from the taco ad had the right idea: why don’t we have both?

Despite council and the state government seemingly united when it comes to continuing the Oceanway, with the Mermaid Beach track to be positioned between the backyards of billionaires and the sea that’s free for all, there is no denying that this move may become more controversial than the light rail itself.

Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach has been offered as an alternative to the Oceanway project.

Given the court cases that accompanied the Oceanway’s expansion through Surfers Paradise, and given the even deeper pockets of their Mermaid counterparts, those of us who would simply like to enjoy and exercise along this public land could be in for a long wait.

Meanwhile, Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens has long suggested an alternative: widening the existing roadside footpath along Hedges and undergrounding the power lines.

“The path in Kurrawa Park is brilliant and the widening of the footpath in Hedges Avenue is the answer to people pushing prams, jogging and for meandering cycling. Albatross Avenue will be the same.

“It beggars belief that council and the state government will waste more money indulging the politics of envy by attacking those residents with beachfront properties rather than undergrounding anachronistic and ugly decades-old powerlines which inhibit movement along the current narrow pathways.

“(Let’s) incorporate the 1950s-built, narrow-width footpath with the high-speed MAMIL bike track currently designated bikes only — albeit against the one-way traffic in Hedges Avenue — into a joint bikeway/footpath that is similar in status to the three-plus-metre-wide pathway through Kurrawa Park.”

Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens says Hedges Ave is in need of an expansion. Picture: Liam Kidston

There’s a lot to unpack here, not least the implication that building the Oceanway is simply an operation of spite. Let’s be real, nobody is championing this asset – which could one day rival the tourism temptations of Huntington Beach, Venice Beach and San Diego boardwalks – because it will outrage the rich.

However, Mr Stevens is not wrong that the footpaths along Hedges and Albatross Avenues need some serious attention.

Recently I decided to take up running again, creating my own version of high intensity interval training … and after a 20-year exercise interval, I now want to HIT myself in the face. Because if the cardio doesn’t kill me, the footpath will.

While giant lane markings indicate that the roadway is solely for the use of cars and cyclists, the tilted tiny footpath, complete with power-pole obstacles popping up every few metres, is enough to literally drive any runner into oncoming traffic.

And, honestly, I’d rather confront a car head-on than a cyclist. They may be wearing Lycra, but those MAMILs have claws.

Residents on Hedges and Albatross avenues are hoping to stop the Oceanway being extended in front of their luxury properties. Pics Adam Head

Regardless, Mr Stevens is wrong that improving the Hedges footpath is a complete solution to the problem.

After all, it’s not just vehicle traffic that’s growing but people traffic too … just look at our population figures.

An Oceanway track beside the sand is the perfect place for those who want to stop and smell the seaweed. It’s the spot for sightseeing tourists, romantic strolls and leisurely bike rides.

While a renovated roadside path would be a suitable side for MAMILs and marathon runners alike, it should be the fast lane for active residents.

We simply need more space, because what we have right now is just downright dangerous.

When it comes to Hedges Ave, there have been pedestrians hit by cars, cyclists abused by motorists, runners abusing cyclists and vice versa.

And the fact is that fixing one footpath should not put a stop to the other.

Because, just as with the argument over public transportation options, there is no one right answer. The population pressure is such on our city that we can’t choose between light rail, heavy rail, buses and bikes … we need them all.

This is not an either/or situation, the solution calls for both/and.

And if our elected officials can’t understand that, there’s only one thing to say …

Adios.