Maryborough’s Ellen Neuss fighting for new footpath

A Maryborough woman is petitioning the council, fighting for a new footpath after a series of near misses in her street.

A petition, signed by 391 people, is set to be presented to the Fraser Coast Regional Council this week as a Maryborough woman fights for a footpath she believes could save lives.

Ellen Neuss is calling for a path along Jupiter Street, fearing near misses she has been made aware of – and witnessed herself – could soon give way to tragedy if elderly people are not given safe access to reach the shops at the intersection at Walker Street.

At the moment, those who live in nearby units are forced to take a risk walking, using mobility walkers or scooters on uneven ground or on the roads.

She witnessed one man almost get struck by a car while he was on the road in his mobility scooter, trying to return home from the shops.

Ms Neuss said the man was in shock after almost being hit by the vehicle, which she said had come “tearing around the corner”.

She has also heard of other elderly people falling and hurting themselves on the uneven ground.

Ellen Neuss and Councillor Paul Truscott with the petition to build a footpath in Jupiter Street, Maryborough.

Since October last year, she has been advocating for a footpath to be urgently installed along Jupiter Street, reaching out to council.

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott, who is also the councillor for Ms Neuss’ division, has put his support behind her campaign.

“I appreciate Ellen having made contact with me and sharing her concerns and that of other residents with me,” he said.

“Footpaths are a vital part of our community infrastructure, not just in getting from A to B, but about safety of pedestrians and in promoting active travel.

“I‘ve spoken to a lot of people in the area about this concern and they all agree it’s needed.

“Ellen and I walked the streets with the petition and talked to people about it and everyone was keen to sign with their support in trying to get a footpath here in Jupiter Street.

“Ellen‘s got hundreds of signatures already and still some more to go. I’ll be happy to present this petition to council at April’s meeting on behalf of the people to make council aware of this concern.“

Originally published as Maryborough’s Ellen Neuss fighting for new footpath