Paths closed around a major construction project occupying a whole block on Northbourne Avenue have created a serious public safety problem. People who used the paths on this major transport corridor are now walking on busy roads because safe pathways have been closed to them.
The ‘Botanical Turner’ website promotes its connections to the local area – yet its developers have done the opposite for its construction.
They have been allowed to fence off the whole of the ‘Botanical Turner’ block including paths.*
The pathways are heavily used, particularly by people walking to and from Civic and ANU. The adjacent roadways are also busy with people riding bikes as well as a lot of motor vehicle traffic. Northbourne Avenue is one of the roadways now being used by people walking because the paths are fenced off.
Poor lighting increases the risk of conflict and collision. This is because it makes it difficult for people using faster moving vehicles to see people walking on the roadway.
In contrast, other jurisdictions require building owners and people involved in the construction and demolition industries to keep pathways open (with new, temporary pathways as needed) and pay for any damage to paths they incur.
Local community groups have recommended the ACT implement an Asset Protection Scheme to keep paths open and save the government money. It was one of the proposals in the ACT for Safe, Healthy, Active, Inclusive Streets non-partisan platform of priorities sent to parties and candidates ahead of the 2024 ACT election.
Quote from Matthew Cullis, witness:
“I was in the bike lane on Northbourne Avenue the other day, coming home from work, when I came across someone walking in the bike lane.
“Luckily I saw them in the poor light and there was a gap in the traffic that enabled me to move safely into a motor vehicle lane. I hate to think of what would have happened otherwise. It really has me worried for my local community.
“The paths around Botanical are heavily used and need to be kept open as a matter of urgency.”
Quote from Gill King, Convenor of Living Streets Canberra:
“This situation is not good enough.
“For the safety and convenience of everyone, the paths must be re-opened to the public as a matter of urgency.
“The situation around the ‘Botanical Turner’ site is simply a symptom of a broader problem in the ACT. As far as I am aware, the ACT is the only Australian jurisdiction that does not require pathways to be kept open and in good condition during construction works.
“Other jurisdictions require that any breaches of their requirements to keep pathways open and in good condition be remedied within 24 hours. They also use substantial bonds to be lodged to encourage compliance. The net result is Budget savings as well as pathways kept useable.
Quote from Paris Lord, Founder, Canberra by Bike:
“The ACT Government continually cowers when developers say they have to close footpaths for their construction projects, such as in Civic, Braddon, and Turner. This cowardice puts people in danger from preventable traffic violence.
“Governments in other cities like Adelaide and Copenhagen use shipping containers to ensure public access is maintained for people who walk or roll. Why can’t the ACT Government?”
Quote from Simon Copland, Executive Director, Conservation Council ACT:
“Promoting active travel is essential as we continue to reduce transport carbon emissions in the ACT. However, we know that people will not get on their bike, or scooter, or walk, if any part of the trip is dangerous.
“It is therefore essential that the Government improve construction practices so that companies can’t just block access to footpaths without providing a safe alternative. Issues such as this are easy ones to fix, and it is time the Government gone on with doing so.”
The paths fenced off from the public are those fronting Northbourne Avenue and Greenway, Forbes and Condamine Streets as well as the path through the centre of the block – see screenshot from google maps
