Community group asks residents to complete survey

Umina Community Group has asked residents to complete a School Safety Survey with the aim of having a footpath built near Umina Public School.

Group secretary Mr Peter Springett said two blocks of pathway and a properly-defined road edge were needed on Melbourne Ave from Brisbane Ave to Hobart Ave.

"Melbourne Ave has high pedestrian and bike traffic, as it connects to the only pedestrian crossing in the south west part of Umina," he said.

"It also provides pedestrian access not only to the school but to other key locations such as Umina Beach, Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina oval and tennis courts, the surf lifesaving club and the bowling club.

"Melbourne Ave presents significant hazards to children cycling or walking from to and school at peak school traffic times.

"Without a footpath or safe walking surface to use, children on bikes, scooters and on foot, as well as parents pushing prams, are at serious risk of harm from traffic entering and exiting busy Hobart Ave as well as from drivers manoeuvring and parking in Melbourne Ave."

Mr Springett said Umina Beach was one of the largest primary schools on the Coast but these works were not listed on Central Coast Council's planned capital works.

He said Council had advised them in June 2019 that "no further funding is proposed as part of the 2019-20 Budget to proceed to detailed design of this project and the project is not listed for consideration for construction in the next four-year program of works".

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said she was undertaking the School Safety Survey and visiting Peninsula schools to seek community feedback on how to improve children's journey to and from school.

The survey was available at nswschoolsafety.com/gosford

SOURCE:

Media statement, 13 Feb 2020

Peter Springett, Umina Community Group.

Website, 13 Feb 2020,

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford