Resident raises concerns over traffic around growing College campus

St John’s College Campus.

A resident  living near St John’s College in Nambour says increasing traffic congestion and parking pressures around the school are creating growing frustration and safety concerns in surrounding streets.

Long-term Hall Court resident John Mugliett said nearby residents had experienced ongoing issues during school drop-off and pick-up periods, including vehicles parking across driveways, congestion near intersections and what he described as dangerous driving behaviour.

“There have been many near misses and several accidents over the years,” Mr Mugliett said. “At peak times it can become chaotic and residents are worried someone could eventually be seriously injured.”

Mr Mugliett also said parking overflow into neighbouring streets has increased as the school has expanded in recent years.

Mr Mugliett said concerns had been raised with Council representatives and other authorities over time, but residents felt more discussion was needed around long-term traffic and safety solutions.

Suggestions raised by residents include additional parking, improved drop-off arrangements, stronger traffic management measures and increased community consultation.

The concerns come amid continued growth at the College and following a recent material change of use application relating to nearby residential properties.

“Last year St John’s College lodged an application for a material change of use for two residential blocks in Hall Court to be zoned for educational purposes,” Mr Mugliett said. “In the application they state it is for a demountable classroom, however it enables them to place several large buildings, and increasing potential students numbers by hundreds.

“In the application was a traffic report, which was completed in November after several grades had ceased school, so it would have been operating at 70 percent capacity. This report was accepted by council for the purposes of the assessment of the application.”

In response St John’s College issued the following statement: “At St John’s College, the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and community is our highest priority. 

“The proposed development submitted last year aims to provide improved learning spaces for existing students and is not intended to increase overall enrolments at the College.

“The College has worked with relevant authorities, including the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Sunshine Coast Council, on traffic management arrangements to support the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians around the school. An independent traffic assessment was undertaken over several months while the College was operating at full capacity, with data collection concluding in November.

“We remain committed to working with our community and residents while enhancing the future facilities at our school so our students can thrive.”