We are a group of concerned parents and community members calling on our local council - Maribyrnong City Council -  to remove the coloured polka dots that were painted at 3 locations in the streets of Yarraville Village because it is proving to be a hazardous safety threat, for especially our children. Kids start running towards the road as soon as they see the polka dots thinking it’s a play area, because of its bold colourful appearance. They are often too young to distinguish this is a road setting and there have been numerous near misses of children almost being run over.

Even the most attentive of parents in the community have shared many stories of ongoing near misses and the heightened risks for child fatalities in these areas - especially because of their children's shorter stature and cars being unable to see them in time to stop.

Now there have been reported situations of elderly members (and other everyday members) of the community having near misses, as both drivers and pedestrians are confused and are unable to determine who has right of way (if any) - meaning the Polka dots use are open to interpretation. As each week passes, new incidents are occurring and new safety risks are arising. The council cannot continue to gamble the lives of local community members. 

Children’s safety within the Yarraville area is now at an unnecessary level of heightened risk. There was no meaningful community consultation about these installations before the trial period. The local community (especially ratepaying parents) deserve much better. 

We simply can’t wait until the 6 month trial concludes. The installation is a highly hazardous setting, especially with its proximity to the popup park areas which are frequently visited by families (including young children at most risk). Installing planter boxes or other infrastructure only attempts to add a false sense of security in these settings and is simply a "bandaid" attempt which ignores the cause of the risks at hand. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT THE PETITION CALLS FOR:

1. For the three polka dot installations to be removed immediately. An interim safety measure such as "Zebra crossings" etc - Whilst community consultation takes place -  have been suggested as temporary measures after removal to address the immediate safety concerns. 

2. For the council to then open up meaningful public consultation with parents and other relevant stakeholders so we can collaboratively come up with solutions to address the complex road safety challenges in our area.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Please sign this petition (Here on Change.org) to support our community to get our message to the council to have these polka dots removed. And share the petition link: https://www.change.org/yarravilleroad

AND ALSO

Make your voice heard on the Official Maribyrnong council "Polka Dot Innovative Road Safety Measure" project feedback page here: https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/polka-dot-road-safety-project

We are also encouraging the local community to document (Photo and/or video) if you witness situations on/near these polka dot settings and have this sent across us by email here: maribaction@gmail.com

For media enquiries or any questions related to the petition, please contact us on maribaction@gmail.com

PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Some first hand accounts/feedback coming direct from parents and wider community who have visited the Yarraville village area recently:

"I had to grab my three year old to stop her running onto the road. I asked her what she was doing and she said she wanted to play on the dots! Too scared to take her back down Anderson St now"

"Parents of small children are now avoiding the village because this is just an accident waiting to happen. Honestly it's difficult enough under normal circumstances to navigate cars and kids"

"My three year old wanted to play on them - it’s a very “play zone” colour palette causing serious confusion for kids and stress for parents"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

MEDIA COVERAGE:

Includes: Channel 7 News Melbourne, The Australian Newspaper, Herald Sun Newspaper, ABC Melbourne Breakfast Radio, Star Weekly, 3AW Melbourne radio, News.com.au

Refer to this Dropbox link for access to a document summary of current links to the media coverage - link (Note this document is updated on a rolling basis with new coverage): https://www.dropbox.com/s/fd2s10w6dsdk000/Media%20exposure.docx?dl=0

-------------------------------------------------------------------

KEY ADVOCACY CONTACTS:

The petition has compiled a summary of key contacts who people can advocate to raise awareness of this issue - highlighting the safety hazard and pushing for its removal. The drop box link is a document containing details of elected politicians who have coverage of the Yarraville suburb (State and Federal), Yarraville ward councillors, Maribyrnong council details, State ministers, Media outlets (Newspapers, TV, Radio) and also special interest organisations

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/om7ytr7qxhkmr8u/Advocacy%20contacts.docx?dl=0