THE frustration of Valla Beach residents boiled over last week as more than 70 concerned locals, business owners and emergency service volunteers gathered at the notorious intersection of Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Way, calling for immediate safety upgrades after yet another serious crash.
The rally, led by Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, highlighted growing community outrage over what many see as a dangerous failure of infrastructure.
“We’re talking about serious collisions every single month, sometimes every week,” Mr Kemp told News Of The Area.
“Just days ago, a man was flown to Brisbane with critical injuries. The Minister must take this seriously.”
Mr Kemp criticised Transport for NSW for dismissing repeated crashes as “driver error”, despite what he described as consistent concerns raised by locals and frontline responders.
“The intersection was safer before Transport separated the left-turn lane and installed a counter-intuitive give way sign in early 2023,” Mr Kemp said.
“The community has exhausted every proper channel, they’ve done everything they can, and it’s fallen on deaf ears.”
Valla Beach resident Teena Pitman was among those who spoke passionately at the event.
“Until the give way sign was installed, it was a comparatively safe intersection but now, it’s a hotspot for accidents,” Ms Pitman told NOTA.
“Cost should not be an excuse as the financial, physical, and emotional toll of 14 accidents, and counting, is already enormous.”
Ms Pitman stressed the urgency for action, stating, “If this were a workplace, Transport for NSW would be liable under workplace safety laws. They must be held accountable.”
Shadow Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Dave Layzell lent his support, accusing the government of ignoring well-documented safety concerns.
“The Minister is constantly in the media warning of the dangers of travelling in regional and country areas and this intersection is where the rubber meets the road,” Mr Layzell said.
“The problem is well known, it has a documented crash history.
“Minister, you have inspected this intersection already, so now is the time for action to improve safety for Valla Beach Road users before there are any more serious injuries at this location.”
In a statement, NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“The recent crashes are unacceptable,” she said.
“I have directed the Centre for Road Safety to inspect the site immediately and identify stronger, permanent safety solutions. “This is not another review. Action will be taken.”
By Mick BIRTLES
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