.Great partnership: Penrith mayor Mark Davies and state Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies aren’t just husband and wife, they’re working together in their respective roles to improve St Marys
Queen Street St Marys is on the road to becoming safer for shoppers.
The state government and Penrith Council announced on Tuesday (October 9) that each contribute $250,000 to develop a high pedestrian activity area (HPAA).
It will include a reduced speed limit of 40km/hr, three new speed humps in East Lane, a new raised pedestrian crossing on Phillip Street and entry signage on each approach to the HPAA zone.
Work has started on two raised pedestrian crossings in Queen Street as part of $200,000 of Nation Building Blackspot federal funding announced earlier this year.
Out of 10 reported crashes in the St Marys CBD since 2007, five have been in Queen Street, according state Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies.
‘‘In my time as a councillor and a Mp, I’ve received requests from quite a lot of concerned businesses here who have seen and heard near misses,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m excited about the physical changes to St Marys being introduced.’’
Mrs Davies’ husband Mark, who’s the new Penrith mayor added:
‘‘It’s great to sees a substantial amount of money being put into St Marys, which is getting busier and busier. It’s a win-win for St Marys where people work, run businesses and shop. It’s great to see council spending going back into St Marys to enhance community projects.’’
Mrs Davies said the pedestrian crossing near King Street is of the most concern.
‘‘I’m not sure whether it’s density of trees or drivers turning into Queen Street from the highway being unaware of the crossing,’’ she said.
‘‘This new project will visually remind drivers it’s a high pedestrian area.’’
More in the October 16 edition of the St Marys-Mt Druitt Star?
What do you think of the project? Comment at stmarysstar.com.au or join the conversation on the St Marys-Mt Druitt Star Facebook page.