Locals in Morningside or anyone who visits frequently knows there are some incredibly dangerous intersections in the area.
One that most will be familiar with is the intersection of Barton and Hawthorne Roads.
This is a major thoroughfare through Morningside and sees a significant volume of traffic including motorists and pedestrians especially during peak times.
Being so close to a corner store, cafes and schools, this intersection desperately needs safety improvements to address the number of incidents, injuries and near-misses.
Councillor for the Morningside Ward, Lucy Collier has also been very vocal in raising these concerns in Council and calling for urgent action.
This is where local mum, Ashleigh Gray stepped up to fight for her community by working with Councillor Collier to start a petition, which over 200 neighbours and community members signed.
Brisbane Now spoke to Ashleigh recently about this important petition and why it was so important for her to speak up.
Brisbane Now: What’s your experience of using Barton and Hawthorne Roads and other intersections in the area?
As a resident and parent, I’ve personally experienced the challenges of navigating the Hawthorne and Barton Road intersections. The number of near misses I have seen, particularly with children, is what drove me to use my voice and share my concerns.
I’m sure there are other intersections that need upgrading in the community, this happens to be the one I use multiple times a day. As the suburb grows in population, and the density of housing increases, the infrastructure has to evolve to support it. It’s our responsibility as adults to create a safe environment for our children.
Brisbane Now: Had you raised your concerns with Brisbane City Council before reaching out to Councillor Collier?
I hadn’t personally, it just became something I lived with, and at that stage, I didn’t know if was something that 276 other people shared a concern about or that other proposals had been put to Council to make changes to the intersection.
When there was a pedestrian injury at the intersection, I thought enough was enough, we can’t lose a child because of our negligence to fix the intersection. I reached out to Lucy to see if there is anything that could be done, I had seen she’d recently worked with residents on another matter in the community and had success. She was a huge support in making this happen for my neighbours and I. That’s how this all began and the petition was started.
Brisbane Now: You recently were a public participant at a Council meeting, what was that like for you?
Participating in the Council meeting was an opportunity to voice our community’s concerns. I highlighted the urgency of the situation, sharing personal experiences and the collective stories of residents. I felt very proud to have the opportunity to speak directly to the decision makers, on behalf of our community.
Brisbane Now: What’s your ideal solution for the intersection?
I’m no expert, but for us residents, the ideal solution for the Hawthorne and Barton Road intersection involves prioritising the investigation and design for safety improvements this financial year and allocating the necessary budget in FY2025 for crucial changes to protect our community.
Brisbane Now is pleased to report that in the last meeting of 2023, Council has confirmed they will review the safety of the Hawthorne and Barton Road intersection.
Congratulations to Ashleigh Gray and Councillor Collier for their hard-work and commitment to fighting for action that will improve safety and save lives in the community.
