Emma Pritchard

Standing alongside one another in Skinner Street amongst the hustle and bustle of the South Grafton CBD, members of the South Grafton Progress Association (SGPA) and local business owners are renewing their calls for pedestrian crossings to be installed and the speed limit within the vicinity lowered to improve safety for motorists and shoppers.

President of the SGPA Robin Gipp, who has been advocating for the changes to be introduced for more than 10 years, spoke of his concerns with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, and said someone is at risk of being seriously injured unless the relevant precautions are implemented.

Home to several prominent businesses including a fruit and vegetable store, newsagency, a hotel, post office, bank, petrol station, and a variety of cafes and eateries which all experience high trade on a weekly basis, Mr Gipp said there has been a substantial increase in the number of vehicles and pedestrians within the South Grafton CBD in recent years, and the shared space needs to be enhanced accordingly.

“Along Prince Street (in the Grafton CBD), there are two pedestrian crossings, and the speed limit over there has already been taken down to 40km,” he explained.

“Yet here in the South Grafton CBD, we can’t get a pedestrian crossing or have the speed limit lowered from 50km.

“Something needs to be done because the situation is becoming more and more dangerous.”

With motorists having the option of reverse parking on either side of Skinner Street or parallel parking along its centre, Mr Gipp said public safety is a huge concern with people frequently walking between and stepping out from behind cars when they need to cross the street.

“It’s difficult for motorists to see pedestrians and to slow down in time, and it’s also difficult for people to see when its safe to cross the street,” he said.

“That is why we need a reduced speed limit and safe, designated places for people to cross the street.”

Mr Gipp revealed the SGPA has contacted Clarence Valley Council (CVC) and Transport for NSW on multiple occasions through the years regarding the safety of motorists and pedestrians within the South Grafton CBD and said the government agency and corporate body seem reluctant to act upon their concerns, each one pointing the finger of responsibility at the other.

SGPA member Peter Williams believes South Grafton is continuously overlooked due to its volume of outlets compared to Grafton, and said the community on the southern side of the Clarence River doesn’t get the credit or the attention it deserves.

“We’ve got one postcode (2460), and that incorporates Grafton and South Grafton,” he explained.

“We’re one area, and South Grafton deserves to have the same safety features as Grafton.”

When contacted by the Clarence Valley Independent, CVC issued a statement outlining Transport for NSW as the responsible agency for setting and reviewing speed limits in NSW.

‘This matter was discussed by the Clarence Valley Safe System Working Group (CVSSWG), which includes representatives from the Police, Transport for NSW, and council staff,’ the statement read.

‘The SSWG supports reducing the speed limit on Skinner Street to 30km, and the addition of a raised pedestrian crossing to reinforce the lower speed limit.

‘Our revised Draft Operational Plan 2024/25 also includes developing a plan for a 30km High Pedestrian Activity Area in Skinner Street.

‘Requests for reviews of speed limits can be made via the Transport for NSW website at saferroadsnsw.com.au

‘During consultations for the Active Transport Strategy, the need for a pedestrian crossing in Skinner Street and improvements to pedestrian and bike rider facilities were identified through an online mapping tool and a pop-up engagement session in Skinner Street.

‘These inputs informed the proposed new pathways and pedestrian crossings in South Grafton identified in the new Strategy.

‘Residents can view the strategy and mapping tool online at https://www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Council/Our-performance/Plans-and-strategies/Active-Transport-Strategy

‘Implementing a marked pedestrian crossing can be costly as it requires flood lighting and also requires months of planning, surveying, design, obtaining approvals, and conducting community consultations, and results in parking loss to achieve sight and no stopping distances.

‘The NSW government has specific funding for 30km and 40km High Pedestrian Activity Areas, which this project could attract if further developed.’

Brad Layton from South Grafton News and Gifts has co-owned and managed the popular business in Skinner Street for 15 years.

He said he is in favour of seeing pedestrian crossings and a lower speed limit introduced in the area, adding he witnesses between three and four near misses involving pedestrians and motorists each week.

“The street is a really happy and vibrant place, but action needs to be taken to make it safer for everyone,” he said.

The SGPA and Skinner Street business owners remain committed to advocating for improved safety within the South Grafton CBD.