The petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House the safety concerns of the community in relation to Stuart Drive, Townsville.

We request consideration that future planning of Stuart Drive between the Bruce Highway intersection at Cluden and the Bowen Road Bridge be fast tracked to meet current traffic and pedestrian needs. Commercial, residential and recreational development has expanded and as a result population has increased significantly and traffic volume increased. Pedestrians, mainly students, are crossing the road near the Mervyn Crossman roundabout at peak hour times to attend school, cultural events and the sporting complex, putting lives at risk. The Bowen Bridge Road underpass is too far away and is also a secluded personal safety risk to them.

Peak hour congestion is extreme and emergency service vehicles are often unable to get through to the outer southern suburbs during these peak times. This area is continuing to grow rapidly and Stuart Drive is no longer suitable to efficiently and safely service traffic in and out of the city.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to consider an upgrade of Stuart Drive from the Bruce Highway intersection at Cluden to the Bowen Bridge to include four lanes and traffic lights at the Mervyn Crossman roundabout with a pedestrian crossing and a second bridge over the Ross River.