Blue Mountains City Council - a step towards safer streets
Blue Mountains City Council, with funding from the Road Safety Program, is taking significant steps towards creating safer streets for everyone.
View of Grose Valley, Blue Mountains. Photo courtesy of Blue Mountains City Council.
About the projects
With funding secured for several projects, the focus is on protecting vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. The projects will improve the safety and accessibility in the area, making it a better place for residents, visitors, and future generations.
The Australian and NSW Government’s Road Safety Program aims to reduce safety risks and is helping to unlock the region's full potential for residents, visitors, and future generations, according to Blue Mountains City Council.
Council’s CEO Rosemary Dillon said the projects form part of broader active transport initiatives which are improving streets for everyone, with safe and sustainable links between key destinations and towns across the Blue Mountains.
“Ultimately, the goal is to create a city where walking and riding feel like natural, practical choices, whether you’re heading to work, visiting a local café, or taking in the Blue Mountains’ breathtaking scenery,” she said.
Family enjoys walking in Hazelbrook. Photo courtesy of Blue Mountains City Council.
Safety benefits
Blue Mountains Grammar School spokesperson Nicole Law said the upgrade near the school at Matcham Avenue would make a significant difference to the safety of parents, carers, students and staff.
“One of our biggest concerns is the lack of clear pedestrian infrastructure on Matcham Avenue, especially during busy drop-off and pick-up times.
“This can create unsafe crossing conditions for students,” she said.
“These changes won’t just benefit those walking to and from school - they’ll also make the whole area safer for pedestrians, which is something we really value as a community.”
Ms Law said the school expected the upgrade would encourage safer crossing habits and the fencing would offer better protection and clearer boundaries.
Safe activities in Katoomba - woman and child with scooter. Photo courtesy of Blue Mountains City Council.
Pedestrian safety
The projects funded by the Road Safety Program for Blue Mountains City Council include the construction of a wombat crossing, pedestrian fencing, and street lighting at Merriwa Street in Katoomba and footpaths at Ellison Road in Springwood and Railway Parade in Leura.
Additionally, there will be a raised pedestrian crossing, fencing, and street lighting at Lurline Street in Katoomba, and a raised pedestrian crossing and pedestrian fencing at Matcham Avenue in Wentworth Falls.