The Town of Mosman Park council has unanimously approved the release of its draft Urban Road Safety Plan (URSP) for public comment, following months of community consultations. The plan aims to enhance road safety through targeted interventions such as pedestrian priority crossings, raised safety platforms, gateway treatments, and mini roundabouts.
School Precincts Prioritised
Several schools are prioritised in the plan. Interventions are planned on Victoria Street and Monument Street near Iona Primary and Mosman Park Primary. Bay View Terrace will also be targeted near Iona Secondary and St Hilda’s Secondary, along with Curtin Avenue near Beehive Montessori School. These measures aim to improve safety for families and children walking to school.
Activity Centres and High-Traffic Streets
Two busy activity centres at Wellington Street and Monument Street were identified as needing improved crossings and traffic calming. High traffic volumes and speeds were highlighted on McCabe Street. Glyde Street is not included as it is part of a separate streetscape masterplan.
Resident Concerns Raised
At the June council meeting, residents voiced concerns about other areas. Resident Andrew Cox said Stuart Street was a hotspot for “rat run traffic” causing serious traffic delays, and asked it be included in the URSP. “Stuart Street is not mentioned in the (plan) … I have lived in Stuart Street for 24 years and have noticed a steady increase in traffic over this time,” he said. “It appears that the street is being used increasingly as a rat run by southbound and northbound traffic on Stirling Highway to avoid traffic banked up at the Glyde Street lights. This rat run traffic now includes, on occasion, large school busses.” Mr Cox suggested works such as chicanes, selective one-way treatments, and restrictions on larger vehicles on residential streets.
Fellow resident Jessica Valentine raised similar concerns over “scary” speeding down Gibbon Street and Palmerston Street, near Gibbon Park and Brown Park respectively.
Council Response and Next Steps
Cr Sarah Corbyn said there would be more opportunities for people to add to the new draft plan. “This is our draft, so people have another chance to have a look at what’s planned and comment on it, suggest any other places, as has happened with a few of the deputations, and comment on the ones that they can see,” she said.
Community consultation was held earlier this year encouraging locals to share their experiences and concerns about road safety. The town has since worked with traffic and transport specialists PJA to review the feedback alongside traffic data, crash history, previous safety studies, school precinct issues, and strategic planning documents.
The draft plan was developed in line with Main Roads WA’s Low Cost Urban Road Safety Program, which the town is seeking funding through. This funding would not include ancillary improvements such as drainage or lighting.
An officer’s report said there were potential financial risks if the town failed to complete construction in the next financial year, and reputational risks with the community if ongoing construction caused disruptions. “This risk can be mitigated through meaningful community engagement, which is why two rounds of community consultation are recommended as part of this project,” the report said.
Cr Nick Lonie said he was excited to see the community reap the benefits in future. “The draft plan prioritised interventions based on multiple data points, including community input, which was very valuable,” he said. “I am also excited for the community and the local school kids to see some deliverables next financial year that advances safety and supports active travel for children and families through Main Roads WA funding.”
The draft plan is now out for public comment on the town’s website until August 9. A final plan is expected to be presented to council by the end of the year.
