A lack of access roads in and out of the Rapids Landing subdivision south of Margaret River is causing concern for residents and road users who say lengthy delays could pose a risk during emergencies.
"During school terms it takes us up to 10 minutes to get from the roundabout opposite Rapids Landing Primary School to the Bussell Highway T-intersection," said one frustrated local resident.
"That's about 100 metres or so.
"Cars are backed bumper to bumper from the Bussell Highway intersection along the entire length of Tonkin Boulevard and have actually gone beyond that roundabout before, blocking the use of the roundabout itself.
"This is because Tonkin Boulevard is currently the only road in and out. We didn't come to live in Rapids to face a lengthy wait in a traffic jam every weekday morning."
She said the regular traffic jams were a minor issue in comparison to a fast moving bushfire.
"We need two exits now, if not more.
"What if there was a fire - as happened last year in the bush east of Rapids?
"It was clearly visible from the school. Fortunately that fire was contained. History has shown us we are not always so lucky.
"Can you imagine the chaos should an evacuation of residents, and children, have been needed with only one poorly designed exit road?"
The resident provided email correspondence to the Mail which showed Augusta Margaret River Shire Manager Asset Services, David Nicholson stating the Shire did not have the statutory power to force the developer to construct additional road links into the subdivision.
In the email, Mr Nicholson that in 2019 the Shire had requested the developer construct the link to John Archibald Drive as part of the next stage of the subdivision, but that the request was declined because the adjoining land is earmarked for commercial use not intended as part of the next stage.
He said the developer recently applied to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) for approval to subdivide another residential stage, south of the school near Brookfield.
Can you imagine the chaos should an evacuation of residents, and children, have been needed with only one poorly designed exit road?
- Margaret River resident
"The Shire has asked the WAPC to include a requirement in the subdivision approval for this stage, to construct the extension of Leschenaultia Avenue into Brookfield," the email said.
"This would at least allow parents in Brookfield to drive their children to/from school without using Bussell Highway and Tonkin Boulevard and also provide a second exit from Rapids Landing onto Bussell Highway, both of which would reduce congestion in Tonkin Boulevard."
Shire Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Addison-Brown confirmed discussions with the developer were continuing.
"The WA Planning Commission is the agency that approves subdivisions," she said.
"Discussions have been held with Lester Group and the WA Planning Commission about the timing of the provision of a second access road, either north to John Archibald Drive, or south into Brookfield, and these discussions are ongoing."
A spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage said it was not appropriate for the department to comment on the decision making of the Western Australian Planning Commission as it was an independent statutory authority.
"However, bush fire management across WA is a State Government priority, with a package of planning policies in place to help protect lives and property against the threat of bushfire," the spokesperson said.
"The assessment of structure plan, subdivision and development proposals must give due regard to State Planning Policy 3.7 Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas and associated guidelines, which include ensuring appropriate road connections and access in bushfire prone areas.
"The Shire is understood to be working with the developer to provide additional road connections in Rapids Landing as soon as is practical, which will lead to improved traffic management and access issues in the area."
Kerry Powell, Senior Development Manager for Lester Group said firebreaks to the undeveloped portion of the estate were managed in accordance with bushfire regulations to minimise the risk to residents.
"Lester Group is aware of the traffic delays occurring as a result of the school's drop off and pick up peak periods," Mr Powell said.
"While we remain in discussion with the Shire around timing to provide an additional access point to the estate, road installation is coordinated as part of the civil works programme for future stage delivery."
A spokesperson for Emergency Services Minister Fran Logan declined to comment on the issue.
Have your say
Do you agree there is a need for more roads into Rapids Landing? Email journalist@margaretrivermail.com.au with your thoughts.
