The area around Jamison shops and the suburbs of Cook and Macquarie are becoming increasingly busy, particularly as new developments bring a growing population to the area. We welcome the ACT Government’s decision to construct raised pedestrian crossings on the eastern side of Bowman Street to improve pedestrian access in the area.  

However, while these improvements are welcome, they do not address large scale concerns in the area. Residents such as John and his guide dog, Luigi, who live close to Redfern Street, find it increasingly difficult to be able to cross this busy road to get to the shops or even the local bus stop. Despite raising ongoing concerns about this situation, the ACT Government has rejected repeated requests from John and Luigi to build pedestrian crossings in the area to make their journey safer.

Other residents have asked for slower speed limits, more crossings around Jamison and the school and disability-friendly access for those in nearby apartments so that they can access Jamison shops. But Government has once again put the needs of cars ahead that of people.  

We call on the ACT Government to invest funding to improve the experience for pedestrians and cyclists in the Macquarie and Cook area.

We call on the Government to:  

• Upgrade the C5 cycle path through Macquarie and Cook.  

• Construct raised pedestrian crossings along the C5 cycle route at Catchpole Street, Redfern Street and Lyttleton Crescent.  

• Reduce speed limits on Redfern Street and Lyttleton Crescent to increase safety.

• Conduct a further analysis of active travel needs around the Jamison shops and catchment with a particular view of looking after the needs of people with a disability, people with mobility issues and people who ride, walk, wheel or push a pram or trolley around the shops, and invest funding to implement solutions.