Safer path needed at Sandy Point for pedestrians and riders

CONSTRUCTION of a safe path alongside the Sandy Point Road between Telopea Drive and Ennisvale Avenue is being called for by Sandy Point community members, with South Gippsland Shire councillors to receive a report on the matter at their June public meeting.

A petition was submitted by Sandy Point Community Group, which stated its aim is to protect pedestrians, runners, horse riders and cyclists from fast-moving vehicles.

Councillors voted on Wednesday to receive and note the petition.

The Roy Henderson Path, connecting Manuka Street and Shallow Inlet is provided as an example of the type of path petitioners want to see alongside Sandy Point Road.

“We urge South Gippsland Shire Council to address this matter as soon as possible by ensuring our request is placed on the South Gippsland Paths and Trails Strategy,” the petition states.

Sandy Point Community Group has outlined a number of specific safety concerns along Sandy Point Road.

Excessive speed is one of the key issues identified, with the organisation stating some travel well beyond the 80km per hour limit.

That includes truck drivers and those towing trailers, with the group saying that, combined with other issues, makes the section of the road between Telopea Drive and Ennisvale Avenue “inherently unsafe”.

“The verge/road shoulder in many places is sloping, narrow and often obstructed by debris from fallen branches,” it is stated.

It is also noted there are places where Sandy Point Road runs up against a property boundary on a bend, with oncoming traffic obscured from view. 

“Riders and those on foot are forced to cross the road at these places to stay off the bitumen as far as they can to maintain visibility,” it is stated.

Sandy Point Community Group stressed that many people have indicated they would use Sandy Point Road for fitness and recreational purposes if it was safer, because the road forms part of a circuit around and through town.

The petition states that Sandy Point Road provides access to Shallow Inlet and approximately 300 properties at the south-eastern end of the Sandy Point township.