Further to recent updates on our website and in local media, we have been asked for the following information:

  1. The previous Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) survey results
  2. Statistics on accidents, injuries and fatalities at the two Cooroy intersections since the survey was completed
  3. A comparison with the number of accidents including fatalities at traffic lights at comparable trouble intersections in comparable sized towns

TMR have provided the following responses:

  1. The local community was invited to provide feedback on signalising the intersections from November 2018 to February 2019. From Cooroy’s population of approximately 4000 people, the community feedback program generated 173 feedback items in total. With 48 items in support of traffic signals, and 110 items not supporting traffic signals (with a preference for roundabouts). Fifteen items of general feedback or suggestions were also received. The importance of preserving Cooroy’s rural and small-town atmosphere as well as delays at traffic signals during off-peak hours emerged as the key themes in respondents’ concerns about traffic lights.
  2. With reference to statistics on accidents, injuries, and fatalities at the Cooroy intersections, TMR can confirm that it is standard industry practice to only use the last five years of available data. To ensure completeness of the data – the latest updated period of 30/09/2017- 30/09/2022 was used. Data shows that the Elm Street and Myall Street intersection has a low recorded crash history. Since the local community was invited to provide feedback on signalising the intersections from November 2018 there have been no crashes recorded at the Elm Street and Myall Street intersection. Prior to consultation, there were two separate rear end crashes in April 2018 and May 2018 respectively. TMR can also advise the Elm Street and Diamond Street intersection has a low recorded crash history. Since the local community was invited to provide feedback on signalising the intersections from 2018 there have been three crashes recorded at the Elm Street and Diamond Street intersection. An angled crash in September 2020, a rear end crash in August 2021, and an angled crash in August 2022 were recorded, all located at the T-Junction.
  3. In response to your enquiry on the comparison of the quantity of accidents, including fatalities, at traffic signals with similar intersections in comparable sized towns to Cooroy TMR, It is important to note that every intersection is different and direct comparisons could lead to misleading conclusions. TMR have tried to locate some relevant/comparable intersections which has resulted in the below locations being identified:
    • Burgess St / Coonowrin Rd, Glasshouse Mountains.
    • Bray Rd / Paget St, Mooloolah Valley
    • Rosebed St / Anzac Rd, Eudlo

There are no fatalities recorded within the same period at these locations. It should be noted that caution should be exercised when subjectively comparing a small set of intersections.

Further information

Please add your voices by writing to NCR_Planning_Comms@tmr.qld.gov.au. Whilst doing this, if you live within the Noosa State Electorate, please cc us via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or if you live in the Nicklin State Electorate, please cc Rob Skelton MP at nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Please read our previous Noosa 360 update at www.sandybolton.com/cooroy-intersections-update-july-2023 for more information.

Further direct advocacy regarding other state roads or matters related to TMR can be directed to the QLD Minster for Transport and Main Roads via transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au and please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.

For the Noosa 360 history on this, please head to www.sandybolton.com/?s=cooroy+intersection.