Reckless drivers skirting peak-hour gridlock are barrelling down a road crossed by over 200 horses daily, showing little regard for the hoofed traffic they share the asphalt with.
Pierce Avenue has become an unofficial “rat run” for drivers avoiding Caloundra Road congestion, with near misses involving horses and trainers as they speed over bumps and misjudge right-of-way.
With new links to Graf Drive, Racecourse Road, and Edison Crescent soon bringing more traffic, horse trainers, the Turf Club, and locals fear a serious accident is inevitable.
Sunshine Coast Turf Club CEO John Miller said the issue had forced the club to seek funding from Racing Queensland for a designated zebra crossing for horses and trainers.
“Pierce Avenue has ample signage and speed bumps but people trying to avoid bottlenecks are cutting through and paying little attention to the fact there are horses on the road,” Mr Miller said.
“530 horses train at our facility every morning and while we have 384 stables on the course, there are hundreds of horses either being floated in or brought across the road every day.”
“We petitioned Council about a crossing for the horses, but it was low on their priority list, so we have gone to our governing body to get the work done.”
“In my head a zebra crossing is just a bit of white paint but there is actually a lot more to it, and we are in consultation with Council at present to have it done.”
Mr. Miller said many drivers were oblivious to Queensland road rules which grant horses the right of way on the roads.
“You are supposed to stop and let them clearly pass – you can’t have cars edging towards them, or worse, not stopping,” he said.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said installation of the crossing was scheduled for “the end of November 2024, weather and site conditions permitting”.
A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said the department was “taking a multimodal approach to help address congestion” on Caloundra Road, citing road upgrades, the planned rail line and active transport facilities as the answer.
“A business case is being finalised to replace the Caloundra Road, Bells Creek Arterial Road and Kawana Way Link Road roundabout, with a signalised intersection as part of staged upgrades,” the spokesperson said.
“Planning is underway to investigate a future road from Aura Boulevard to Pelican Waters Boulevard – the future road will provide relief to Caloundra Road.
“The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project will also deliver an enhanced bus network across the southern Sunshine Coast region.
“Upgrades to active transport facilities and new active travel options will mean that people can also choose to walk or ride to their nearest station.”
