APPLECROSS residents are split on plans to convert Macrae Road into a dead-end to improve road safety.
Some 54 per cent of locals love the idea but 46 per cent hate it. Melville city council is set to vote on it March 15.
Local MP Dean Nalder agrees something has to be done, but is urging the council to “explore options of a peak period trial in consultation with all affected residents”.
Running parallel to Canning Highway, Macrae is a favourite with canny rat-runners keen to avoid gridlock between Riseley Street and Canning Bridge.
Trouble is, the secret is well and truly out: the council reports there’ve been 14 crashes involving cyclists in five years along the three kilometre route.
A trial cul-de-sac at Gairloch Street and an elbow closure at Munro Road and Gairloch Street polarised locals: 54 per cent want the road closed permanently, with 46 per cent opposed.
Long-term resident Vicky Doherty says the closure will simply funnel traffic onto nearby streets through the leafy suburb.
• APPLECROSS residents are split on turning Macrae Road into a dead-end. Photo by Matthew Dwyer
Wedge
“This proposal has resulted in a wedge being driven through our entire suburb, leaving residents furious,” she says.
“It is a hazard for children around the school, as traffic has been re-directed down Glenelg Street and Reynolds Road; two main roads leading to the primary school from Canning Highway.
“Rate-paying residents feel bullied and betrayed by the council, who think nothing of charging hefty rates.
“Could it be that if it goes ahead against our will, our rates will be reduced? Doubt it.”
Around 600 people have signed petitions opposing the closure and Alfred Cove Liberal MP Dean Nalder — who, handily, is also WA transport minister — says plenty have contacted his office.
“I applaud the efforts of the City of Melville attempting to curtail the rat run along local roads in Applecross,” he says.
“There has however, been a lot of feedback to me that they do not support the permanent change.
“This is primarily because it penalises local residents 24 hours a day for an issue that occurs for one to two hours at each end on a weekday. “
by STEPHEN POLLOCK
