Queensland Rail to retain and upgrade Pomona pedestrian crossing

After listening to community feedback, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said Queensland Rail (QR) will retain the current pedestrian crossing at Pomona station.

Minister Bailey said he wanted to assure locals the crossing would remain, but that it would require a number of safety upgrades.

“QR put a number of options forward, one of which was to close the crossing, but after public consultations the message was loud and clear that people wanted the crossing to stay,” Mr Bailey said.

“Safety is always our number one priority, and as the crossing is situated on a curved section of railway, a number of possible safety upgrades will need to be completed.

“One of the safety concerns is there is currently inadequate sight distance for approaching trains, and while I appreciate there have been no serious incidents to date, QR needs to put plans in place to safeguard the community and ensure this remains the case. 

“While design work is yet to be undertaken, the upgrade may include the installation of audible and visual alarms, footpaths and signage.

“I understand locals feel passionately about the future of the crossing, its historical significance to the town and its role in promoting walkability.

“QR is committed to working with the community and delivering a solution which balances the need for safety with providing a crossing that meets the town’s requirements now and into the future.

QR CEO Nick Easy said they had been overwhelmed with the community’s feedback regarding the pedestrian crossing – 100 per cent of which called for the crossing to be retained and upgraded.

“Of 148 submissions received during community consultation in August this year, 100 per cent of feedback indicated a preference for the crossing to be retained and upgraded to ensure walking connectivity remains in place at this location,” Mr Easy said.

“QR has taken this feedback on board, in addition to consulting with Noosa Shire Council, community groups and local businesses, and has made a decision to upgrade the crossing to ensure it meets national rail safety standards, while retaining connectivity at this site for local pedestrians.

“Queensland Rail will keep the Pomona community informed regarding the progress and timing of the design investigations.”

ENDS

Media contact, Dominic Geiger, 0447355565