Southern River residents are calling for action on a section of Holmes Street where pedestrians are forced to walk on the road, with a permanent solution not expected until 2031-32.
The concern relates to Holmes Street between Faverolles Drive and Gamboge Parkway, an area that has seen significant residential growth in recent years and provides access to nearby homes, shops and other amenities.
Resident Saqib Sharif said he first raised the issue after witnessing what he believed was a dangerous near miss involving a child.
“I saw a fast-moving ute driving very close to a seven or eight-year-old child riding a bike on the road,” he said.
“I literally couldn’t sleep that night.”
Mr Sharif said he had also seen children walking on the road because there was no footpath available.
More recently, he said his dashcam captured a mother running alongside her young daughter as the child rode a bicycle along Holmes Street.
“I just feel that authorities must take action to prevent any disaster which can happen anytime,” he said.
“I don’t want to see any injuries or anything worse happening to the residents.”
Mr Sharif said many residents shared the same concerns.
“Almost everyone living in the area is concerned about the situation and they share this concern that the road is not safe for pedestrians,” he said.
“A couple of other residents have also approached the council and they have got similar responses.”
The issue has been raised with the City of Gosnells, local councillors, Southern River MLA Terry Healy and Mayor Terresa Lynes.
In response to questions from the Examiner, City of Gosnells chief executive officer Ian Cowie said the city acknowledged residents’ concerns and was continuing to plan for future upgrades to the area.
“The city will consider interim pedestrian treatments for this section of Holmes Street ahead of the long-term Garden Street extension project,” he said.
“Any interim measures will be subject to council approval and funding availability.”
Mr Cowie said the city had undertaken an initial investigation into pedestrian access and potential treatment options for the area.
He said an interim response to pedestrian access could be considered from 2027-28 onwards.
A permanent solution is currently expected to be delivered as part of the broader Holmes Street duplication and Garden Street extension works, which are forecast for 2031-32.
Mr Cowie said Main Roads WA had recently approved a reduction in the speed limit on Holmes Street between Newmerrie Street and Phoebe Street from 70km/h to 60km/h.
The change was implemented last month and is expected to improve safety for road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Planning for the proposed duplication of Holmes Street remains in its early stages.
Construction of Stage 1 of the Garden Street extension, between Warton Road and Holmes Street, is currently underway, while Stage 2 is being designed.
Funding has also been approved for the design of Stage 3, which includes the Southern River roundabout and associated pedestrian crossing facilities.
Mr Sharif said he hoped authorities would continue exploring options to improve safety before the long-term project was completed.
“I would appreciate if the residents keep an eye out in their surroundings and report any issues which might not impact them directly but these are related to the safety of others, especially children,” he said.
