The upgrades to Thomas Road are putting users of the Darling Downs Equestrian Park (DDEP) in real danger.  The Government must take action to protect riders and horses by providing a safety wall along the Comic Loop South trail.

In the past, trucks using the stretch of Thomas Road between Hopkinson and Masters roads in Darling Downs typically maintained a steady speed, resulting in relatively quiet and predictable traffic noise.  Additionally, large trees and bushes between the road and the Comic Loop South trail provided a partial visual and noise barrier, allowing this important trail to be used safely.  Consequently, this Public Open Space reserve is used by many horse riders, including children and people with disabilities. 

Upgrades to Thomas Road will transform it into a Strategic Freight Route, featuring two lanes of traffic in each direction.  This Strategic Freight Route is designed for use by many more trucks and other vehicles.    Therefore, much more traffic is expected to use Thomas Road, and a significant portion of this will be heavy-haulage vehicles.

Additionally, two major roundabouts will be installed at Kardan Boulevard as well as Masters and Malarkey roads.  The changed road layout will force the many large trucks using this road to brake, up to 100 metres on either side of the roundabouts, so they can negotiate the intersections.  This type of braking can produce very loud and unpredictable noises exceeding 100 dB(A).  In many cases, these trucks will also be less than 20 metres from horses when they are creating loud braking and acceleration noises, which can spook the horses and lead to accidents that can result in the death or injury of both horses and riders.

To make matters worse, the Thomas Road expansion is removing most of the existing barrier of trees and bushes.  Consequently, horses being ridden on the Comic Loop South trail will be exposed to loud and unpredictable noises, as well as numerous vehicle movements that can spook them and cause catastrophic accidents.  

Therefore, an appropriate safety wall between Thomas Road and the Comic Loop South trail will be essential to protect horses and riders.  However, at this stage, the Minister for Transport is indicating that a safety wall alongside this trail will not be included in the Thomas Road upgrade.  This decision could expose horses, riders and passing traffic to substantial risks.

I urge everyone who cares about the safety and well-being of riders and horses to join this cause. By supporting this petition, you are advocating for a practical and life-saving change that will benefit the entire equestrian community who use the DDEP.

We, the undersigned, call on the Minister for Transport to support the early implementation of a suitable safety wall that reduces noise and visual distractions for horses using the Comic Loop South trail.