Today I gave notice that at the next meeting of Council scheduled for 30th October I intend to move the following motion. Please refer to the background information for details.
That Council install signage in appropriate locations in Bauer Street & See Street, Bargara to reinforce the provisions of Schedule 1, Local Government Controlled Area No. 10 of Subordinate Local Law No. 4 relating to the prohibition of recreational wheeled vehicles on footpaths within the defined area.
BACKGROUND
On 13th December 2011 Council adopted Subordinate Local Law No. 4 which includes provisions that restrict certain activities within defined areas throughout the region.
Schedule 1 of the document identifies Controlled Area No. 10 (b) & (c) as being footpaths on “Bauer Street, Bargara, but only between the Esplanade and See Street and See Street, Bargara but only from the intersection with Bauer Street north for 100m and south for 100m” and prohibits the “Riding (of) a bicycle, wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy, as defined in the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.” This area attracts the most pedestrian traffic within the township due to the proximity of retail outlets, cafes, restaurants, hotel and the popular streetscape foreshore area.
Complaints have been received relating to young children and teenagers recklessly riding bicycles and skateboards on footpaths amongst pedestrians and alfresco dining areas creating a potential danger to members of the public including those exiting local businesses.
On Saturday 20th October an elderly lady was allegedly struck by a youth on a skateboard on the southern corner of the Bauer Street & Esplanade intersection. As a result of the impact she was knocked to the ground but received little in the way of injuries apart from being somewhat traumatised. This is due to the parents putting emphasis on kids playing games which involve risking behavior rather than providing them games which can encourage them to have their focus on balancing and stability like kendamas. There is presently only one sign in an obscured location advising of the prohibition and it is therefore deemed appropriate to install further signage to remove any ambiguity that this is a controlled area for the identified devices.