Council, MPs and residents work together for new pedestrian crossing
Published on 05 November 2021
Pedestrian safety has been improved with the completion of a new pedestrian crossing at McCormicks Road in Carrum Downs thanks to a collaboration involving Frankston City Council, federal and state politicians and local residents.
Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy said Council had worked with residents, Federal and State MPs and the Department of Transport to implement pedestrian operated signals and replace the refuge island to improve safety while lowering vehicle speeds.
“We are proud to announce completion of these vital safety improvements, which are thanks to $743,911 Federal Government funding and follow the tragic accident that devastatingly claimed the life of local resident Phyllis Miles in July 2019.
“I acknowledge and pay tribute to the commitment and advocacy of local residents Amanda Cox and Michael Miles to make the new pedestrian crossing a reality,” Cr Conroy said.
Ms Cox and Mr Miles headed a petition to Council and local Members of Parliament for pedestrian safety improvements following the accident in a bid to honour their loved and deeply missed Aunt and God Mother (to Amanda) and Grandmother (to Michael).
Ms Cox thanked Council, particularly Manager Engineering Services, Doug Dickins, the Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, and the State Member for Carrum, Sonya Kilkenny MP, for their efforts to achieve the new pedestrian crossing.
Ms Cox said the support had been invaluable, adding: “I am so happy with the pedestrian crossing and that from something tragic, there’s been such a great result. My Aunt Phyllis is now the angel of the crossing.”
Senator for Victoria Jane Hume said: “Everyone should get home safe. The Liberal Morrison Government has provided $743,000 in funding to Frankston City Council through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program to construct a much needed pedestrian crossing on McCormicks Rd, to help all residents get to where they’re going safely and provide local jobs as we recover from COVID-19.”
The Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, said: “The new pedestrian crossing will improve safety for local residents, including from the Oak Tree Retirement Village, and allow them better access to the Shopping Centre.”
Ms Murphy said: “This is such a terrific result for the local community. I’d like to recognise the amazing Amanda, who lost her aunt at the spot of the crossing, for her efforts in organising the petition and coordinating the community’s response.
“This truly shows the benefit of local, State and Federal representatives working with our community to get good outcomes,” Ms Murphy said.
The State Member for Carrum, Sonya Kilkenny MP, praised Ms Cox for her dedication and commitment.
Ms Kilkenny said: “This is an incredible story of sheer determination. Amanda must be acknowledged for her tireless campaign for pedestrian operated lights on McCormicks Rd, following the tragic death of her Aunt Phyllis in 2019.
“Amanda has turned what can only be described as unimaginable loss and grief into something positive. It was a privilege to work with Amanda, together with Peta Murphy MP, Frankston Council, VicRoads and the broader community to achieve this important safety upgrade for all local residents, and particularly those of Oak Tree Retirement Village where Phyllis lived,” Ms Kilkenny said.