RESIDENT lobbying following an accident on Nelson Bay Road near Fern Bay, which saw a school girl critically injured, has led to $250,000 being allocated to improve safety conditions.
The site near the Bayway Village at Fern Bay was the scene of a tragic accident involving 11-year-old Tayler Cadman in June last year.
Port Stephens MP Craig Baumann said he had been working with the residents for improved access in and out of the village since the accident and confirmed the NSW government would give $250,000 to help improve conditions.
Mr Baumann confirmed the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) had been investigating possible improvements to the site but no decision as to what exactly would be done have been made.
"Community consultation was carried out last year to identify short and long-term options and RMS is now liaising with bus operators and Bayway Village to determine the preferred solution," Mr Baumann said.
"Possible short-term safety improvements include the installation of a u-turn bay to the south of the village or relocating the existing pedestrian refuge."
An action group spokesperson who protested at the site following last year's accident, said she wanted to see long-term solutions rather then minor upgrades.
"We believe the only solution to current issue is a foot bridge or traffic light or even both," No Drop Zone for Kids' Kym Camlin said. "We also think that the two new signs are a pathetic bandaid that has not created any safety for no one."
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