Urgent action is expected this week for the perilous Giinagay Way and Valla Beach Road intersection.
By Michael Burt
The Valla Beach community and Oxley MP Michael Kemp are anxiously awaiting a report due this week on improving road safety at the notorious Giinagay Way and Valla Beach Rd intersection.
Pleas from Mr Kemp to fix the dangerous intersection inspired a directive from Roads Minister Jenny Aitcheson for a Centre for Road Safety inspection last week.
Mr Kemp’s call for immediate action came after another serious crash incident in June.
“The Centre for Road Safety was at the intersection last week talking to locals and the police. There is a full report due this week,” Mr Kemp said.
“All options are back on the table to discuss how to fix the intersection.”
There will be also increased police presence to help enforce a 60km/h speed limit and encourage safer driving behaviour. Transport NSW imposed a permanent 60 km/h speed limit on a one kilometre of Giinagay Way at the intersection prior to the most recent crash.
From 1 July, an AI-powered camera will be installed to monitor speeds, weather conditions, and near misses for one month.
Mr Kemp said a safety nominations process is also now underway to help inform a future intersection upgrade.
“The community is fed up and they want action now before another potentially fatal incident,” he said.
“I’ve done the right thing. I’ve gone through the process, worked in good faith with the agencies involved, and tried to give Transport the time and space to get it right,” he said.
“But we’ve now reached a point where inaction is costing people their safety. The current road design isn’t working, regardless of whether it’s correct.”
“Community safety must come before theoretical road rules. What looks good on paper clearly isn’t working in practice.”
In a statement, NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison acknowledged that recent crashes were “unacceptable”.
“I 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,” Ms Aitchison said.