Anne Parisianne
Donnybrae Estate residents are urging the Whittlesea council and the state government to address the lack of safe walking paths and a bus stop in their community.
The absence of paved footpaths is along the one kilometre-long road from Donnybrae Estate to the Donnybrook station is a frustration for local residents.
Amber Wood, a local resident, has started a petition to demand a safer commute and improve public transportation in the area. More than 300 people had signed the petition as of Monday morning.
Ms Wood described her experience of walking along the shoulder of an 80 km/h road as terrifying.
“The lack of footpaths along Donnybrook Road makes walking perilous, especially for children and elderly citizens who are at greater risk due to speeding vehicles,” she said.
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said they are working together with Whittlesea council and the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), to identify options to deliver additional sections of footpath along Donnybrook Road.
A Whittlesea council spokesperson said they’re aware of the challenges faced by residents in the growing suburb of Donnybrook, including the accessibility of Donnybrook Road for pedestrians and better bus services.
“Council is aware of the challenges faced by residents in the growing suburb of Donnybrook, including the accessibility of Donnybrook Road for pedestrians and better bus services,” they said.
“Donnybrook Road is an arterial road that is the responsibility of the Victorian government.
“Developers are responsible for delivering footpaths as they complete stages of development along Donnybrook Road. The timing of this has left gaps in the footpath network where sections do not join up yet.
“Council will continue to advocate for timely infrastructure in our new communities and we will continue to work with the Victorian government to find solutions.”
Ms Wood also highlighted that the road from Donnybrae Estate to the Donnybrook station is without a bus stop.
She said adjacent estates now have bus stops, but her estate was overlooked.
Ms Wood said the lack of public transport is not only a safety risk but also adds to environmental harm, particularly carbon emissions, as residents often use their vehicles.
“We believe that implementing these changes will greatly improve the quality of life for all residents by providing safer routes for pedestrians and better public transportation options,” she said in the petition. “We urge local authorities in Victoria state government, Department Of Transport Infrastructure (DTI) to take immediate action by installing a bus stop in the Donnybrae estate and constructing footpaths along Donnybrook road leading up to the train station.”
The Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said they know the important role buses play in our public transport network, which is why they are continually reviewing services to ensure they are meeting community needs, including along Donnybrook Road.
