Goomeri residents react to speed reduction on Wide Bay Hwy

A speed reduction on the Wide Bay Hwy has brought a divided response from motorists, with some taking to social media to vent with humour over the change.

Residents have been alerted to the speed change in Goomeri via a social media post in a community Facebook group. Picture: Facebook, Diane Frola

Whether your foot is heavy on the accelerator or the brake, a new speed limit in a township along the Wide Bay Hwy has stirred up residents, pushing out comments over the change with a sprinkling of humour.

The new limit will mean motorists will need to slow down an extra 10km/h, driving at a 40km/h speed through Goomeri, a small, colourful town about an hour west of Gympie.

Gympie properties to be sold off in multimillion-dollar buyback

Residents have been alerted to the speed change in Goomeri via a social media post in a community Facebook group. Picture: Facebook, Diane Frola

A post by Diane Frola on Facebook warned a community group of the change on Wednesday afternoon.

“This is for your information. New 40km/h signs have replaced all of the 50km/h signs inside Goomeri township. Warning signs have been installed which state, it is now 40km/h through Goomeri township,” she wrote.

The post stirred comments from residents airing their views on the matter, from gratitude, disagreement and of course, humor.

“I’m happy to do 40 through my hometown streets. I lived in Goomeri for nearly 10 years,” wrote Cheryl Hopkins.

Residents have been alerted to the speed change in Goomeri via a social media post in a community Facebook group. Picture: Facebook, Diane Frola

“50 was already too slow,” Ashley Furler wrote.

“Next signs should be LOOK IN YOUR SIDE MIRROR BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR DOOR?” Kevin Faignes wrote.

“We will have to get out and push soon,” Shelley Gibson commented.

“Paid parking will be next,” Phil McIntosh wrote.

It comes as the second speed change within the region in the last month, with motorists needing to drive at the new speed limit of 80km/h on Tin Can Bay Rd between Goomboorian and Gympie.

A statement from Transport and Main Roads said they had completed a review of the speed limit in Goomeri and taken factors into account such as “crash history, traffic volumes, types of road users, the geography of the road and its role in the road network”.

“Motorists should look out for the new speed signs and be aware of the changed speed limits on the Burnett Highway and Wide Bay Highway at Goomeri,” it said.

“The speed limit on the Burnett Highway and Wide Bay Highway through the township of Goomeri will change from 50km/h to 40km/h between Maudsley Street and McGregor Street.

“High active transport user signage is being installed as part of the speed limit to remind motorists to watch out for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

“North of Goomeri on the Burnett Highway the 80km/h speed limit will be extended for approximately 5km.

“The new speed limits will be effective as soon as installation of all signage is complete, which will be in approximately two weeks.”

Originally published as Goomeri residents react to speed reduction on Wide Bay Hwy