Thursday, 31 July 2025

Kew electorate road safety

Jess WILSON (Kew) (09:52): I wish to bring attention to a number of road safety issues in the electorate of Kew, which I have raised with the minister, but unfortunately my community has failed to see action. These include the Earl Street roundabout near Willsmere village, the pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Cotham and Glenferrie roads and the pedestrian crossing on Barkers Road near Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC).

First, at the Willsmere Road and Earl Street roundabout, traffic volume continues to grow through the intersection, and the roundabout is adjacent to the popular Willsmere village and the Willsmere community gardens. However, the department has advised they do not propose to make any modifications to this site. I urge the minister to direct the department to install a pedestrian crossing along Earl Street, making sure that that roundabout is safe for pedestrians ‍– for young people, for people with children, for the elderly. It is currently not safe.

The number 16 tram terminus is another safety issue, on the corner of Glenferrie and Cotham roads. This is a very busy intersection with many school students, residents and traders using it, and the tram stop is set back. Currently it is not safe, particularly for those school students to cross.

The final issue I wish to raise is the pedestrian crossing on Barkers Road near MLC. This is where we see thousands of students crossing the road every single day ducking across Barkers Road – a very, very busy road – and we fail to see any action from the minister. To the government: please support my community and install these much-needed pedestrian crossings.

And a quick shout-out to my mum because it is her birthday today. Happy birthday, Mum.