A petition, calling for pedestrian safety upgrades along a Mooloolah Valley road, has been launched following a crash that claimed the life of a local resident.
The change.org petition is urging Sunshine Coast Council to consider infrastructure improvements on Diamond Valley Road, between Mooloolah Valley town centre and Diamond Valley Lodge respite facility, including additional lighting and a continuous pedestrian pathway.
Mooloolah Valley resident Alex Rixon is the organiser of the petition and says concerns about the route have existed within the community for some time, but the recent fatality prompted him to formally advocate for change.
When contacted about the petition and residents’ safety concerns, a council spokesperson said: “This tragic incident is still under investigation by Queensland Police, with findings yet to be handed down.”
Mr Grosse died after being struck by a vehicle late on the night of January 23 during wet conditions.
Alex says that while he did not directly witness the collision, he became aware something serious had happened when his daughter heard a loud impact and he later saw emergency services nearby when returning home.
He knew Mr Grosse through regular interactions in the community over several years.
“He was a friend – more of a passing friend,” Alex says.
“He would come down from the lodge into town, get the train and go on little adventures. He’d always stop and say hello.”
Alex would often see Mr Grosse during informal morning gatherings held by local residents at Jones Street Kitchen.
“He’d pop by and say g’day. We’d all acknowledge him, have a bit of a chat,” he says.
Alex says the idea for the petition developed after he attended a memorial for Mr Grosse and spoke with other residents, including people connected to the lodge, about possible ways to improve safety in the area.
“I suggested at the time it would probably be necessary to write some letters,” he says.
“I thought I’ve got the skills to do so. So, I just took it on board.”
The petition has attracted more than 70 signatures and calls for improved pedestrian lighting from the Mooloolah town centre to Diamond Valley Lodge, as well as extending the existing footpath network by about 700m beyond Anderson Road, where it ends before reaching the facility.
