The ACT opposition has thrown their support behind a community push to protect the citizens of Canberra's inner south - both human and bird.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee has again called on the ACT government to address safety concerns in Red Hill, Narrabundah and Griffith, where residents say increased traffic volume is making intersections too dangerous.
"These intersections are no longer fit for purpose," Ms Lee said.
"Traffic has significantly increased in the area and as a result people are driving faster which is making it more dangerous for children to walk or cycle to school.
Ms Lee said the most dangerous spots appeared to be the intersections of La Perouse Street and Carnegie Crescent and La Perouse and Dalrymple Streets.
Those intersections are where Narrabundah's unique peafowl population regularly cross - with nine birds killed since the middle of last year.
"Recent deaths of peafowl in Narrabundah and Red Hill have highlighted the long-held concerns of locals about the traffic conditions and dangerous intersections in the area," Ms Lee said.
The Narrabundah Peafowlers group last week warned the birds would be lost within two years if traffic was not slowed, and if nothing changed it was only a matter of time until a person died.
Narrabundah Peafowlers convenor Timothy DeWan welcomed the extra support for the group's cause.
"We support anyone who would seek to improve the safety of our streets for our children, our elderly residents and our wildlife. We would appreciate the opportunity to engage with members of all parties to develop solutions to our dangerous roads," Mr DeWan said.
Ms Lee wrote to Transport Minister Chris Steel in December to ask about planned upgrades for the area to support children travelling to school in Red Hill.
READ MORE:
A spokesman for Transport Canberra and City Services told The Canberra Times last week the directorate had begun a traffic study of the area, which was expected to be completed by July.
"Following this study, TCCS will undertake further engagement with the Narrabundah community," the spokesman said.
The spokesman said the ACT government was committed to supporting inner-south communities in managing peafowl.
"This includes the installation of road signage in areas frequented by peafowl to raise awareness of drivers and pedestrians," the spokesman said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram