The increase in electric personal mobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, throughout Queensland has been exponential over the last few years, prompting new laws that took effect on 1 November across the state to ensure the safety of riders and pedestrians alike.
In the Whitsundays, the increase in electric personal mobility devices has been particularly evident along the foreshore boardwalk which spans from Cannonvale to Airlie Beach, with the privately owned Coral Sea Marina Resort (CSMR) in between.
CSMR is the launch pad for most of the Whitsunday on-water adventures, making it one of the busiest commercial marinas in Australia
with heavy foot traffic. As a result, safety concerns have arisen regarding the shared usage of the precinct pathways and carparks.
To ensure the safety of the thousands of pedestrians who frequent the popular tourist destination every day, CSMR is working in cooperation with Whitsunday Regional Council to implement “Pedestrian Only” Zones throughout the precinct.
From mid December, all the Coral Sea Marina Resort waterfront pathways, pontoons and marina villages will become dedicated “Pedestrian Only” Zones. Cyclists and all personal mobility device users will be required to dismount and walk through these areas, or to take an alternate route.
“The demarcation of Pedestrian Only Zones in our heaviest traffic areas throughout the precinct is an added safety measure for the benefit of everyone sharing the site,” explains Kate Purdie, CEO, Coral Sea Marina.
“The waterfront pathways are utilised by vessel owners, passengers, and business operators with loaded trolleys every day, in addition to visitors passing through on foot including people with prams and young children, and those walking dogs. We have recently seen an increase in the number of bikes, e-scooters and electric skateboards on these pathways, many traveling at high speed and with little regard for the safety of others. To ensure these pathways remain safe, we need to keep all traffic at a walking pace.
An alternate route through The Gardens is available for those who wish to pass through the south marina to reach their final destination. In the north marina there is no alternate route available, so everyone must dismount and walk through the village.”
Directional signage will be installed throughout the site making it very clear to all users where the Pedestrian Only Zones are located. Maps have also been designed and distributed throughout Airlie Beach.
Additional bike and scooter parking facilities have been built at the marina, so visitors have a dedicated place to lock up their wheeled devices whilst enjoying the many cafes, restaurants, tourism and retail business available at Coral Sea Marina Resort.
“We welcome visitors to come and enjoy the views, relax in The Gardens, grab a bite to eat or a sunset drink. They are welcome to do so on their wheeled devices, we just ask that they dismount and walk them through the Pedestrian Only Zones or use the bike and scooter parking facilities available whilst doing so,” Ms Purdie concludes.
From 1 November, new Queensland laws state that personal mobility device riders who break the road rules will be given the same fines as motorists. Rules relating to speed limits, wearing helmets, age restrictions and mobile phones have been introduced for the safety of all Queenslanders.
About Coral Sea Marina Resort
Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning 520 wet berth marina located in the heart of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. As the first 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina in Queensland, Coral Sea Marina offers premium marina facilities and a range of concierge services for vessels up to 80m.
Coral Sea Marina is part of Coral Sea Marina Resort, a tourist destination that also includes a 77-room waterfront boutique resort, two vibrant marina villages, an inspiring calendar of events and is home to 80% of the region’s on-water tourism products, making Coral Sea Marina Resort the ultimate place to stay, play, explore the Whitsundays.
