The state government this week announced design work was underway on safety upgrades for Pomona, including new pedestrian crossings, raised township entry treatments and a reduced speed limit through the town centre.
These works follow an October 2024 election commitment to deliver a new pedestrian crossing on Factory Street and a petition tabled in Parliament in December 2024.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said Pomona locals had been calling for safer walking routes for years, and the Crisafulli Government was getting on with the job of delivering them.
“Our focus is keeping the community safe, and this upgrade will make it easier and safer for people to get around their town, whether they’re walking to school, the shops or the train station,” he said.
“We’re working closely with Noosa Shire Council to make sure these improvements build on existing placemaking efforts and genuinely reflect what matters to the Pomona community.”
LNP Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said for too long, Pomona locals have been asking for safer streets while nothing moved on the ground.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job, backing this community with real upgrades that make it safer to walk through town,” he said.
In December 2024 Hinterland resident Nick Cooke, sponsored by Noosa MP Sandy Bolton, lodged a community parliamentary petition, calling on the urgent need for safe crossings on the state-managed Factory Street.
In the lead up to the October 2024 election both LNP and Labor made election promises to commit to the $950,000 pedestrian crossing.
In January 2025 Ms Bolton said she endorsed the petition as part of her longtime advocacy regarding inappropriate levels of heavy haulage endangering these communities and had held a meeting with Mr Mickelberg regarding the importance of fast tracking this project.
“The need for a safe crossing on Factory Street, Pomona as well two others in the precinct, is necessary for residents to access essential services and their homes,” Ms Bolton said.
“This includes for our school children traversing these roads on their way to school and after school activities. Our efforts included making sure the design was on track ensuring readiness for a commitment of funding.”
In his response to the petition Mr Mickelberg acknowledged residents had drawn to the attention of the House the urgent need to install safe pedestrian zebra crossings on Factory Street and Hill Street, Pomona.
“These roads experience a high volume of traffic, including large 40-tonne quarry trucks from the Kin Kin Quarry, posing significant safety risks. Currently, there is no safe method for pedestrians to cross, resulting in a dangerous divide that hinders cross-town connectivity,” he said.
“There is a dog park and kindergarten on Hill Street, as well as a school bus stop on Factory Street. Children and families must navigate these busy roads without safe crossings, heightening the risk of accidents.”
Mr Mickleberg said a speed limit review on Factory Street had resulted in a reduction to 50 km/h due to the safety concerns associated with the traffic in the area, indicating the recognition of the significant hazards present.
“Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all within its power to install safe pedestrian zebra crossings on Factory Street near the train station and on Hill Street across to the Cooroora Creek dog park, as a matter of urgency.”
