SAFETY concerns at the Oxley Highway and King Creek Road intersection have again been thrust into the spotlight, with Oxley MP Michael Kemp calling for urgent action to prevent further tragedies.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Kemp highlighted growing traffic pressures across the Hastings Valley, particularly around Wauchope, where population growth is placing increasing strain on local roads.
“The Hastings Valley, the wider Hastings Valley and Wauchope are growing rapidly,” Mr Kemp said.
“With that growth comes serious pressure on our road network and some key pinch points.”
Mr Kemp said the recent death of local mother Amy Pollard at the intersection had reinforced long-standing concerns about the site’s safety.
“Once again it’s exposed what locals have known for years – that this is an inherently dangerous stretch of road and it demands urgent action,” he said.
He also referenced previous serious crashes at the same location, including one involving motorcyclist Richard Martin, who suffered life-changing injuries.
According to Mr Kemp, a key issue is the intersection’s design, including a blind spot created by a left-turn lane and retaining wall, combined with increased traffic volumes entering and leaving King Creek.
“The growth has put a lot of pressure on drivers,” he said. “We just don’t want to see another death and there’s been so many accidents.”
A concept design for a roundabout has already been developed, with $6.5 million allocated to finalise planning and acquire land for the project.
However, Mr Kemp said the current timeline, which could see planning continue until late 2027, is too slow.
“What we need is an acceleration of that planning process,” he said.
“We need clear and public delivery timeframes for construction and we need a commitment that this project will not stall in the planning phase.”
Mr Kemp also called for an urgent review of temporary safety measures, including further speed limit reductions, while permanent improvements are progressed.
“We need delivery. We do not need delay,” he said.
By Sis HIGGINS
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