North Arm residents call for action on ‘Bunya Speedway’

Overgrown bamboo and weeds directly behind the Yandina North Arm Fire and Rescue building on council land down Monak Road.

Frustrated North Arm residents are calling for urgent safety upgrades along Bunya Road, warning that speeding traffic, dangerous intersections and overgrown verges are putting lives at risk.

Between 15 and 20 residents attended a community meeting on Tuesday February 10 to raise concerns about road safety, particularly along the stretch locals have dubbed “Bunya Speedway”. The meeting was part of ongoing discussions held every three to four months, first prompted about 18 months ago by concerns in the nearby council park and along Bunya Road itself.

“I am the culprit who dubbed the road Bunya Speedway, because I am one of the frequent walkers on the footpaths of the roads around this area and I had witnessed so many trucks and cars actually speeding up when they got to the downhill section of the 60 km/h section of the road, going north towards the park,” said Dede, a concerned resident.

Residents are seeking a reduction in the speed limit to 50 km/h along the road, more frequent signage, stop signs at the intersection of Bunya Road with Running Creek Road and North Arm Yandina Creek Road, and permanent police radar. One suggestion was for electronic speed signs that change from a smiley face to a grumpy face if drivers exceed the limit.

The intersection has seen multiple serious crashes, including three within four weeks last year. In one incident an older woman had to be extricated from her vehicle, while a van ended up on its roof in Running Creek Road. Residents say cyclists also use the route frequently and that overtaking across double lines is not uncommon.

Concerns were also raised about prolific weeds, including bamboo and Singapore daisy, encroaching onto footpaths used by children walking to North Arm State School and to access school buses. There are fears the dense vegetation may harbour brown snakes.

A police officer from Eumundi Station told the meeting patrols would be increased, including highway patrol and motorbike units. Cr David Law said a new toilet block in the park would begin by May this financial year, but funding constraints limited other works.