Beerwah Village access road called out for potential pedestrian risk
By Sonia Isaacs
A SUNSHINE Coast councillor has vowed to address growing community concerns over pedestrian safety at a busy Beerwah shopping precinct, following reports of near misses and confusion over right-of-way.
Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick acknowledged the community’s unease regarding a shared access road connecting Simpson Street to Beerwah Shopping Village. She confirmed she would meet with her team “as a matter of priority”.
The unmarked pathway, located directly in front of Neddy’s Nosebag, forces pedestrians to navigate a hazardous thoroughfare where vehicles turn into the shopping precinct. The area is particularly busy in the afternoons with school students and local business visitors.
“I am aware that our community has raised some concern here and acknowledge some confusion exists about right-of-way between vehicles turning into the shopping area and pedestrians,” Cr Broderick said.
The safety issue gained attention after multiple community members expressed concern on social media. It follows a GC&M News report on February 18 highlighting pedestrian safety risks in Beerwah’s town centre.
Business owners and residents have voiced frustration over the dangers posed by the shared pathway. Masterpiece Dance owner Sarah Kwarcianyi said the risk had increased due to higher foot traffic, particularly in the afternoons when families and students frequent the area.
“That footpath and driveway is so busy, especially in the afternoons, and our dance families are trying to turn into the carpark,” Ms Kwarcianyi said. “There’s a lot of confusion about who should give way, so a pedestrian crossing would make it much safer for everyone.”
Community members have echoed calls for safety improvements. Local resident Karin Markowski said she had witnessed cars speeding through the area.
“I’ve seen cars taking ‘shortcuts’ past the studio, speeding… a pedestrian crossing might make them think,” she said.
The concerns extend beyond the shared access point.
Davina Marques, another local, highlighted visibility issues when exiting the post office and studio onto Turner Street, citing parked vehicles as a hazard.
“It’s a manoeuvre I’ve nervously made many times,” Ms Marques said. “They need to clear some of those parks or fix the visibility on this high-traffic driveway because someone’s going to be T-boned.”
Pine Property Manager Bailey Sims has also observed multiple near misses.
“I agree we absolutely need a crossing here before someone gets seriously hurt or worse,” he said.
Cr Broderick has committed to prioritising discussions with her team to explore safety measures, potentially including the installation of a marked pedestrian crossing.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed Council received a request related to this issue on February 19, 2025, which is currently under investigation.
“The access to the Beerwah Shopping Village on Simpson Street is considered a driveway access,” the Council spokesperson said.
“Vehicles entering this driveway must give way to pedestrians or cyclists.
“As part of our investigation Council will consider pedestrian safety measures at this location.”
