Community-Driven Collaborative Improvement Program
Overview
The Bronte Road Safety Initiative is a collaborative community and local council partnership designed to improve safety across Bronte Road and related pedestrian corridors in the Clovelly precinct.
Project Scope: Bronte Road between St Catherine's School and Murray Street, with focus on related pedestrian intersections affecting school and community facilities.
Quick Facts
4
Local Schools
St Catherine's, Waverley, Clovelly & Bronte Public Schools
1
Aged Care Facility
St Vincent's Aged Care Bronte
Peak Hours
School Times
7:30–9:00am & 2:30–3:30pm
40km/h
Speed Limit
Frequently exceeded
Community Engagement
An organized group of local residents has:
Conducted preliminary consultation with residents
Collected community signatures supporting safety improvements
Engaged traffic engineering and urban design professionals
Developed evidence-based improvement proposals
Vulnerable User Groups
This initiative prioritizes the safety of vulnerable users in the area, including:
Students from St Catherine's School, Waverley College, Clovelly and Bronte Public Schools
Children from Little Feet Childcare
Elderly residents from St Vincent's Aged Care Bronte
General residential and commercial community members
Project Goal
To establish a collaborative pathway between the community and council that delivers safety improvements reflecting both council priorities and community needs.
Safety Concerns
Key Finding: Significant safety concerns have been identified affecting Bronte Road and related pedestrian corridors during peak hours, particularly when school is in session.
Bronte Road (St Catherine's to Murray Street)
Consistent speeding: Vehicles accelerate/decelerate along the incline, contributing to unsafe conditions
Poor sightlines at Lugar Street curve: Particularly problematic for north–south pedestrian crossings, reducing visibility for both drivers and pedestrians
Multiple driveway conflict points: High-frequency vehicle-pedestrian interactions at residential and commercial driveways
Related Pedestrian Intersections
Leichhardt St / Macpherson St
Key pedestrian crossing between school facilities and residential/commercial areas. High volume of foot traffic during school hours.
Macpherson St / Arden St
Major pedestrian route connecting schools and areas of community interest. Significant student and child movement between these intersections.
Peak Risk Times
School drop-off and pick-up times (morning 7:30–9:00am, afternoon 2:30–3:30pm)
High concentration of young pedestrians crossing between multiple school locations
Elderly pedestrian movement from aged care facilities during daylight hours
Community Directly Affected
This initiative directly impacts a significant residential and business community along Bronte Road. Understanding the scale and composition of affected stakeholders is essential for meaningful community consultation and engagement.
Residential Properties by Location
Summary: Properties directly affected on Bronte Road between Leichhardt Street and Murray Street
Properties facing toward Dickson Street Reserve and residential areas
380 Bronte Road Building
11
Residential units
395 Bronte Road Property
1
Residential building
Detailed Unit Information
SOUTH SIDE (365A to 329 - East to West)
South Side - 337 Bronte Road: Multi-unit residential building (7+ units)
South Side - 339 Bronte Road Area: Mixed residential (houses & units, 41 properties)
South Side - 343 Bronte Road: Residential property
South Side - 349 Bronte Road: Multi-unit residential building (11 units)
South Side - 351 Bronte Road: Residential property
NORTH SIDE (364 to 404 - West to East)
North Side - 380 Bronte Road: Multi-unit residential building (11 units)
North Side - 395 Bronte Road: Residential building (1 unit)
Properties Summary
Category
Count
Total Buildings/Structures
7
Total Residential Units/Properties
73
South Side Buildings
5
South Side Units/Properties
61
North Side Buildings
2
North Side Units/Properties
12
Community Demographics
The Bronte Road corridor serves a diverse community including:
Families with young children - Multiple schools and childcare facilities in the area requiring safe pedestrian access
Elderly residents - Aged care facilities (St Vincent's Aged Care Bronte) serving senior community members
Working professionals - Local businesses and commercial services along Bronte Road
Recreational users - Proximity to Bronte Beach and coastal parks attracting walkers and cyclists
Local Institutions & Facilities
Key facilities serving the community:
Bronte Kids Preschool
Multiple schools requiring safe student passage
St Vincent's Aged Care Bronte
Dickson Street Reserve and recreational areas
Bronte Beach and coastal walking paths
Local retail and business precinct
Why Safety Matters Here
The concentration of vulnerable road users (young pedestrians from schools, elderly residents, and recreational users) combined with current traffic conditions makes Bronte Road a priority for community safety improvements. Every resident, worker, and visitor using this corridor deserves a safe environment.
Your Voice Matters
If you live, work, or access services along Bronte Road, we want to hear from you. Your direct experience of traffic conditions, safety concerns, and needs will shape the final recommendations to council. Participate in our consultation process through the "Get Involved" tab or email us your feedback.
Proposed Solutions
The community has identified several potential improvement categories, informed by traffic engineering and urban design expertise:
Traffic Calming
Speed reduction measures on Bronte Road incline, including potential speed limit adjustments, traffic calming devices, and enforcement support.
Crossing Improvements
Enhanced pedestrian crossing facilities at Lugar Street and related intersections, including potential signal optimization and crossing safety enhancements.
Visibility Enhancements
Sightline improvements at the Lugar Street curve and key pedestrian intersections to improve driver awareness and pedestrian safety.
Driveway Safety
Mitigation strategies for high-conflict driveway points, including potential signage, line marking, or geometric modifications.
Existing Council Commitment: Importantly, Waverley Council is already implementing a 40km/h speed limit across the southern LGA (including Bronte Road) in April-June 2025 as part of its Vision Zero safety initiative. The improvements proposed here—speed humps, traffic calming, pedestrian crossings, and clearer signage—directly support and enhance the effectiveness of this already-approved speed limit reduction.
Approach: All proposed solutions will be evidence-based, practical, and developed collaboratively with council to ensure alignment with council standards and strategic objectives.
Implementation Support
The community group is prepared to:
Contribute specialized expertise from traffic engineers and urban designers (donated)
Facilitate ongoing community consultation and feedback during design phase
Support implementation of council-approved measures
Assist with communication to residents and stakeholders
Community Resources
Community Contribution: The initiative is supported by local expertise and organizational resources committed to making this project succeed.
Expertise & Professional Support
Traffic Engineering: Professional traffic engineers have committed to donate expertise in developing evidence-based improvement options
Urban Design: Urban design professionals are contributing to solution design and feasibility assessment
Community Facilitation: Organized local residents can coordinate ongoing consultation and gather community feedback
Community Commitments
Ongoing engagement with residents and stakeholders
Collection and presentation of community feedback and evidence
Support for implementation of council-approved safety measures
Facilitation of communication between council and the community
Advocacy for prioritization of pedestrian and vulnerable user safety
Related Information & Programs
The Bronte Road Safety Initiative connects with several Waverley Council programs and strategic initiatives focused on community safety and infrastructure improvement. Below you'll find information from various council programs and strategic documents.
Source: Waverley Council Strategic Transport Vision (2017) External Link:www.waverley.nsw.gov.au
The Bronte Road Safety Initiative aligns with Waverley Council's existing Road Infrastructure Renewal Program 2024-2025, which aims to renew and refurbish roads, footpaths, kerbs and gutters across the local government area.
Program Background
The People, Movement and Places vision (released 2017) maps out Council's plan to improve local streetscapes, making them safer and more enjoyable to move around Waverley.
Council's Vision Priority: The vision prioritises pedestrians, bike riders, public transport users, service vehicles and shared mobility. This commitment to green modes of transport supports environmental goals while providing residents with safer and cheaper transport options.
Waverley Council Road Infrastructure Renewal Program 2024-2025
The Bronte Road Safety Initiative aligns with Waverley Council's existing Road Infrastructure Renewal Program 2024-2025, which aims to renew and refurbish roads, footpaths, kerbs and gutters across the local government area. In line with its Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), Council assesses the existing condition and expected life expectancy of road assets to prioritize renewal work.
Key Program Priorities
Improved Roads & Footpaths
Renewal and refurbishment of road pavements, footpaths, kerbs and gutters based on condition assessments and expected life expectancy.
Pedestrian Priority
Enhanced safety and accessibility for pedestrians throughout the local government area, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Kerb Extensions & Greener Crossings
Implementation of traffic calming features and enhanced crossing facilities to improve pedestrian safety and visual amenity.
Service Level Targets
In line with its Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), Waverley Council maintains the following service level community commitments:
80% of Road Wearing Course in Excellent or Good condition
80% of Footpaths in Excellent or Good condition
75% of Kerb and Gutter in Excellent or Good condition
75% of Traffic Infrastructure in Excellent or Good condition
2023-2024 Program Highlights
978 tonnes of high RAP asphalt laid on road resheeting projects
825 meters of kerbs, gutters and footpaths reconstructed
18 tonnes of carbon emissions saved through use of RAP asphalt (equivalent to 8 cars off the road for a year)
2024-2025 Program Categories
Kerb, Gutter and Footpath Reconstruction
Stormwater Program
Road Resheeting Program
Relevance to Bronte Road: The Bronte Road Safety Initiative seeks to integrate with Council's existing Road Infrastructure Renewal Program, leveraging Council's resources, expertise, and budget to deliver comprehensive safety improvements that meet both community needs and Council's strategic objectives.
Project Contact
For Road Infrastructure Renewal Program inquiries, contact:
The Miller Street Upgrade demonstrates Waverley Council's commitment to creating safer, more inviting and vibrant streetscapes for residents and the whole community. Miller Street was identified through the Street Play Initiative as a key community play space for local children to walk, play and ride.
Project Vision
Transform Miller Street (between Castlefield Street and Imperial Avenue) from a space with dilapidated assets into a safer, more welcoming environment where the street can evolve to meet community needs.
Project Scope
The Miller Street Upgrade includes:
Promoting pedestrian safety in the street
Increasing tree plantings and landscaping
Creating a pocket park for community interaction
Introducing traffic calming measures
Improved kerb and footpath infrastructure
Road asphalt resheeting
Installation of rain gardens for stormwater drainage improvement
Community Engagement Approach
Council used a multi-stage "Have Your Say" community consultation process:
Dream Big Initiative: Invited residents to share their big ideas, images and aspirations for Miller Street improvements
Community Survey: Gathered feedback on Council's proposed design ideas
Pop-up Consultation: In-person engagement days where residents could discuss changes they'd like to see
Design Development: Two stages of concept design consultation based on community feedback
Funding
Proudly funded by the Australian Government in association with Waverley Council.
Project Status
Currently in Detailed Design phase (as of July 2026), following completion of two stages of community consultation and concept design development based on community input.
Connection to Bronte Road: The Miller Street Upgrade demonstrates Waverley Council's strategic approach to improving streetscape safety and accessibility across the LGA. The Bronte Road Safety Initiative follows a similar collaborative model with the community to achieve council-supported infrastructure improvements.
As part of Council's commitment to Vision Zero (zero road fatalities and minimal serious injuries), Waverley is implementing a contiguous 40km/h speed limit across the LGA in coordination with Transport for NSW.
Stage 1 Implementation (April-June 2025)
The first stage covers the southern part of the LGA from Bondi Road and Syd Einfeld Drive to the southern boundary—this includes the Bronte Road area. All 40km/h street signage has been designed and approved by Transport for NSW, with installation and unveiling occurring April-June 2025.
Project Background & Traffic Calming
This speed limit reduction initiative builds on extensive work already completed in the area:
2019 Traffic Study: Comprehensive 40km/h feasibility study completed
2019-2020 Community Consultation: Broad community input gathered and analyzed
2021-2022 Traffic Calming Installation: 36 traffic calming treatments installed across Waverley, including speed humps, line markings, and visibility enhancements
2025 Signage Implementation: 40km/h speed limit signage being installed and activated
Bronte Road Connection: The Bronte Road Safety Initiative aligns perfectly with this existing council speed limit reduction project. The infrastructure improvements requested (speed humps, traffic calming, clearer signage, pedestrian crossings) complement and enhance the 40km/h speed limit that is already being implemented in April-June 2025. This demonstrates that council is already committed to exactly this type of safety work in the Bronte Road precinct.
Project Benefits
Improved safety for all road users—slower speeds increase reaction time and reduce crash severity
Reduced noise pollution and emissions for residents
Safer walking and cycling for children and active transport users
Alignment with Council's "People, Movement and Places" transport vision
Funding: This project is proudly funded by Transport for NSW.
Case Studies & Completed Projects
Waverley Council has successfully delivered multiple safety and streetscape improvement projects using the same community engagement model that will be applied to Bronte Road. These completed and in-progress projects demonstrate council's commitment to pedestrian safety, infrastructure renewal, and community-driven design.
Project Description: Safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists along Bourke Street between Birrell Street and Queens Park Road. Part of Waverley's priority bike route network.
Key Improvements Delivered:
Separated bicycle lane to improve cyclist safety and comfort
Improved junction and intersection geometry to encourage lower vehicle speeds
Enhanced pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities
Outcome: "This project has successfully delivered improved safety outcomes while supporting Council's broader active transport and road safety objectives."
Project Description: Streetscape upgrade to create a safer, more welcoming space for pedestrians, cyclists, and the community. Identified through the Street Play Initiative as a key community play space.
Community Support: 82% of respondents supported the upgrade (47 survey submissions)
Design Preference: 51% preferred Option B (Continuous Footpath and Kerb Extensions)
Proposed Improvements:
Continuous footpath treatment with planted kerb extensions
Introduction of 13 new trees (net gain of 10 trees)
Rain gardens for stormwater drainage
Improved pedestrian crossing facilities
Road resurfacing and resealing
Net gain of 3 on-street parking spaces
Timeline:
Jul-Aug 2023: Stage One community consultation
Apr-May 2024: Stage Two consultation on concept designs
2024-2025: Detailed design development
2025-2026: Construction phase (expected)
Funding: Waverley Council + Australian Government funding
Program Description: Yearly program to renew and refurbish roads, footpaths, kerbs, and gutters across the local government area. Aligns with Waverley's "People, Movement and Places" transport vision.
Program Priorities:
Improved roads and footpaths
Pedestrian priority
Kerb extensions and greener crossings
Service Level Targets (SAMP):
80% of Road Wearing Course in Excellent or Good condition
80% of Footpaths in Excellent or Good condition
75% of Kerb and Gutter in Excellent or Good condition
75% of Traffic Infrastructure in Excellent or Good condition
2023-2024 Achievements:
978 tonnes of high RAP asphalt laid
825 meters of kerbs, gutters, and footpaths reconstructed
18 tonnes of carbon emissions saved (equivalent to 8 cars off the road for a year)
Proven Track Record: Waverley Council has successfully delivered multiple safety and infrastructure improvement projects using community engagement and government/council funding. The Bronte Road Safety Initiative will follow the same model that has worked for Bourke Street (completed), Miller Street (in progress), and the ongoing Road Infrastructure Renewal Program.
Timeline Expectations: Based on Bourke Street's completion in 2.5 years and Miller Street's progress, the Bronte Road initiative can realistically expect: Initial consultation (4-6 weeks) → Design development (6-8 weeks) → Detailed design (4-6 weeks) → Construction (12-18 months) = approximately 18-30 months from first council meeting to completion.
Funding Availability: Council's success in obtaining Australian Government Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) funding for Bourke Street demonstrates that federal funding is available for these types of safety and infrastructure projects. Bronte Road can access similar funding pathways.
Consistent Project Management: Cameron Eccles, Senior Project Manager, has successfully delivered both Bourke Street and Miller Street, demonstrating experienced, consistent project leadership and community engagement.
Contacting Waverley Council
For all Bronte Road Safety Initiative inquiries and council contact details, see the Contacts tab.
Council Website:www.waverley.nsw.gov.au Council Address: 55 Spring Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Community Advocacy: Bronte Beach Bus Safety Campaign
A complementary community petition focuses specifically on public transport and bus management safety issues in Bronte Beach. This campaign addresses unique challenges related to bus operations on Bronte Road and the surrounding village area.
Key Bus Safety Concerns Identified
Bus Speeding on Bronte Road Incline: Buses frequently exceed safe speeds on the steep downhill section from East to West, creating significant braking distance and reaction time hazards
Pedestrian Crossing Relocation Risk: Proposed relocation of the pedestrian crossing to further East in Bronte Road places it directly in front of the busiest takeaway food store, increasing pedestrian-vehicle conflicts at this high-traffic location
Bus Terminus Navigation Issues: Buses struggle to negotiate the turn into the terminus and frequently collide with safety fences, causing delays and congestion
Bendy Bus Operations: Introduction of larger bendy buses creates additional congestion and safety challenges in the confined village environment, with passengers forced to alight onto active roadway
Bus Driver Layover Congestion: Drivers using the terminus as a layover stop creates unnecessary crowding and increases safety risks in the busy area
Unsafe Passenger Drop-Off Locations: Existing bus stop location encourages passengers to cross directly behind stationary or moving buses rather than using formal pedestrian crossings
Recommended Bus Safety Actions
Install safety chicanes to slow buses traveling East to West on Bronte Road
Relocate pedestrian crossing to centre of cafe strip for better visibility and reduced conflicts
Maintain existing footpath width (avoid 2m+ widening that would worsen bus turning maneuverability)
Ban introduction of bendy buses from the area
Eliminate bus driver layover stops; redirect to alternative terminus locations
Consolidate drop-off and pick-up functions at the bus terminus rather than along cafe strip
Reinstate the promised 378 bus service to enter the terminus for drop-off and pick-up operations
Community Outcome
The petition achieved significant community engagement with 396 supporters and resulted in a successful meeting with the State Transit Authority (Steffen Faurby, CEO) scheduled at Bronte Beach Bus Terminus to discuss bus management and safety issues with community residents.
Connection to Bronte Road Safety Initiative: While the Bronte Road Safety Initiative focuses on general traffic calming, pedestrian safety, and road infrastructure improvements, the bus safety campaign addresses the specific challenge of public transport operations in the village. Both initiatives share the goal of creating a safer environment for residents, visitors, and commercial operators through evidence-based safety improvements and community engagement with NSW Authorities.
Get Involved
The Bronte Road Safety Initiative welcomes community participation. Here are practical ways you can help make a difference:
📧 Send the Email
Use the Email Template to contact Waverley Council directly. The more voices council hears, the stronger the case for action.
Time required: 5 minutes
👥 Share with Your Network
Share this initiative with neighbors, friends, and family who live or work in the area. Distribute the link to this website through social networks, WhatsApp groups, and neighborhood networks.
Time required: 5-10 minutes
📸 Document Safety Concerns
Take photos or videos of traffic safety issues on Bronte Road—speeding vehicles, near-misses, pedestrians struggling to cross safely. Documentation strengthens the case for council intervention.
Time required: Ongoing, as you notice issues
🗣️ Attend Community Meetings
Participate in community group meetings and council consultations. Your presence shows council that residents care about this issue and supports advocates speaking on behalf of the community.
Time required: 1-2 hours per meeting
📝 Provide Your Story
Share personal experiences with traffic safety concerns on Bronte Road. Real stories from residents and parents are powerful evidence for why council should prioritize this area.
Time required: 10-15 minutes to write
💬 Engage with Council
Attend council meetings when road safety or traffic matters are discussed. Speak during public comment periods if available. Subscribe to council updates to stay informed about progress.
Time required: Variable, depending on council meeting schedule
🤝 Spread the Word at Schools
If you have connections with St Catherine's, Waverley, Clovelly or Bronte Public Schools, encourage them to communicate safety concerns to parents. Schools have a vested interest in pedestrian safety.
Time required: 10-20 minutes to connect
Make Your Voice Count
Remember: Council responds to community engagement. The more residents who submit feedback, attend meetings, and document concerns, the stronger the case for action becomes. Even small contributions add up—every email, every shared story, every attendee at a meeting strengthens the initiative.
Stay Updated on Progress
Subscribe to receive updates on the Bronte Road Safety Initiative, council meetings, and community consultations. Be the first to know about developments and opportunities to get involved.
Newsletter Information
Subscribers will receive:
Monthly updates on initiative progress
Announcements of community consultation events
Council meeting dates and opportunities to engage
Fundraising and volunteer opportunities (if applicable)
Success stories and wins for the initiative
We respect your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never share your email with third parties.
Engagement Methodology
The Bronte Road Safety Initiative will follow a proven community engagement model aligned with Waverley Council's approach to streetscape consultation, as successfully demonstrated in the Miller Street Upgrade project.
Like Waverley Council, we will use the adapted IAP2 (International Association for Public Participation) model, which includes:
Inform: Provide clear information about the safety concerns and proposed solutions
Consult: Gather feedback on design options and community priorities
Involve: Work with community to address concerns and refine designs
Collaborate: Partner with council and community on final solutions
Multi-Channel Engagement Strategy
Drawing from Miller Street's successful consultation (which achieved 82% support from 48 submissions), we will use multiple engagement pathways to reach diverse community members:
📱 Online Have Your Say Survey
Channel: Dedicated Waverley Council "Have Your Say" project page
What it does: Gathers structured feedback on key issues and design preferences
Miller Street result: 47 survey submissions from 352 visitors
Timeline: Ongoing during consultation phases
📬 Flyer Distribution
Channel: Direct mail to nearby properties and businesses
What it does: Notifies residents and encourages participation
Miller Street coverage: ~653 properties/businesses reached
Timeline: Beginning of each consultation phase
📱 Social Media
Channels: Facebook & Instagram
What it does: Promotes consultation, shares updates, encourages engagement
Miller Street reach: 1,528 (Facebook), 750 (Instagram)
Timeline: Throughout consultation period
📧 Newsletter Updates
Channels: Waverley Weekly, Have Your Say e-newsletter
What it does: Keeps engaged community members informed
Miller Street reach: 9,372 e-newsletter recipients
Timeline: Monthly updates during consultation
👥 Pop-Up Consultations
Format: In-person community engagement days
What it does: Enables face-to-face discussion with residents and families
Miller Street approach: Wednesday afternoon sessions, flexible dates
Timeline: During Phase 2 of the initiative
☎️ Phone & Email Feedback
Channel: Direct contact with project manager
What it does: Allows individual concerns and detailed feedback
Miller Street result: 1 detailed phone consultation with follow-up
Timeline: Ongoing availability
🏫 Stakeholder Outreach
Targets: Schools, childcare, aged care, local businesses
What it does: Engages organizations with direct interest in pedestrian safety
Miller Street approach: Direct outreach to kindergarten, churches, precincts
What it does: Provides transparent information and tracks progress
Miller Street transparency: Full consultation report made public
Timeline: Updated throughout project
Consultation Phases & Timeline
Phase 1: Initial Council Meeting & Community Notification
Duration: 4-6 weeks Activities:
Present proposal to council's traffic and planning teams
Notify community of initiative via flyer distribution
Launch Have Your Say webpage
Begin stakeholder outreach to schools, aged care, businesses
Expected outcome: Council agreement to collaborate; initial community awareness
Phase 2: Community Consultation & Design Feedback
Duration: 6-8 weeks Activities:
Online Have Your Say survey (similar to Miller Street model)
Pop-up consultation events in the community
Social media and newsletter updates
Stakeholder meetings with schools and organizations
Phone/email feedback collection
Expected outcome: 40-50+ community submissions; clear design preferences; documented feedback
Phase 3: Design Development & Consultation Report
Duration: 4-6 weeks Activities:
Compile and analyze community feedback
Develop detailed consultation report (like Miller Street Stage Two report)
Refine designs based on community input
Address specific concerns raised (drainage, visibility, parking, etc.)
Expected outcome: Comprehensive consultation report; refined design options; council presentation
Success Metrics: Miller Street Model
The Bronte Road initiative can expect similar engagement patterns to Miller Street's successful consultation:
Survey Submissions
Miller Street: 47 submissions Target for Bronte Road: 40-60 submissions from a larger catchment
Support Rate
Miller Street: 82% in favor Expected for Bronte Road: Similar or higher (more urgent safety issue)
Website Engagement
Miller Street: 473 page visits Target for Bronte Road: 500+ visits (higher awareness)
Social Media Reach
Miller Street: 1,528 (Facebook), 750 (Instagram) Goal for Bronte Road: Broader reach through community sharing
Newsletter Reach
Miller Street: 9,372 recipients Via Waverley Council: Reaches entire LGA interested in updates
Response Demographics
Miller Street: 44% female, 41% male, 9% non-binary Age range: Broad representation (under 20 to 70+)
Community Feedback Integration
Following Waverley's approach, community feedback will be:
Documented: All submissions recorded and categorized
Analyzed: Themes and preferences identified (e.g., 51% preferred Option B in Miller Street)
Addressed: Design refined based on community input and concerns
Reported: Transparent consultation report published showing feedback and how it influenced decisions
Communicated: Results shared back to community showing their impact
Transparency Commitment: Like Miller Street's publicly available consultation report, the Bronte Road initiative will publish a comprehensive Stage Two consultation report showing all feedback received and how community input shaped the final design recommendations presented to council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this urgent?
Bronte Road's combination of speeding vehicles, poor sightlines, and high pedestrian traffic during school hours creates a genuine safety risk. With four schools in the area and an aged care facility, vulnerable populations use this route daily. The longer we wait, the greater the risk of a serious incident.
What if I don't live on Bronte Road?
Everyone is welcome to participate. If you use the area (work nearby, pass through, have children at local schools, visit aged care residents), your voice matters. Safety improvements benefit the entire community.
How long will implementation take?
The timeline depends on council priorities and budget. Based on similar projects like Miller Street, the process typically takes 12-24 months from initial meeting to completion of implementation. We've designed our approach to be efficient while ensuring thorough community consultation.
Will this cost residents money?
No. This is a council infrastructure project funded by council and Australian Government grants. Residents don't pay for implementation—you simply help advocate for it.
What if council says no?
Council feedback will help us understand their concerns and constraints. Even if initial proposals are declined, the process builds the case for future action. Sustained community pressure, combined with incident documentation, often leads to eventual approval.
Can I help but don't want to be publicly identified?
Yes. You can send the email template from your personal email account, provide anonymous documentation, or support privately. All contributions are valuable.
Who's behind this initiative?
This is a grassroots community initiative started by local residents concerned about safety. We've engaged traffic engineers and urban design professionals who are donating expertise. We're not affiliated with any political party—our focus is purely on community safety.
How can I stay updated on progress?
Follow updates through this website, contact the community group leads, or subscribe to Waverley Council's notification system for road and traffic updates at www.waverley.nsw.gov.au.
What makes this different from previous safety requests?
This initiative combines specific, evidence-based safety concerns with community signatures, professional expertise, and a clear collaborative proposal to council. We're not just raising complaints—we're offering to be partners in solutions.
Can I suggest additional safety improvements?
Absolutely. Community input drives the design process. Share your ideas when you send the email to council, or engage during consultation phases. The more comprehensive our understanding of community needs, the better the final solutions.
Contacts
The following individuals and representatives have been or will be contacted regarding the Bronte Road Safety Initiative. These are the key decision-makers and community liaisons who can champion pedestrian safety improvements for Bronte Road.
Community media outlet reaching local residents and families in the Eastern Suburbs. Excellent channel for raising awareness about Bronte Road safety within the community.
● Responded
Email Template for Community Members
Fill in your details below, then copy the email content and send it from your own email account to Waverley Council:
All Bronte Road Properties in Area (Sorted by Address Number)
Subject: Urgent Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Safety Request – Bronte Road (between Leichhardt Street & Murray Street)
Dear General Manager and Traffic Committee Members,
I am writing to formally raise serious traffic safety concerns regarding the section of Bronte Road between the roundabout at Leichhardt Street (St Catherine's Junior School) and the roundabout at Murray Street. As a resident at your address, I see firsthand the daily hazards caused by excessive vehicle speeds and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure on this specific stretch of road.
I strongly support the implementation of the 40km/h speed limit for this area as part of Waverley Council's Vision Zero initiative (scheduled for April-June 2025). To maximize the safety benefits of this speed limit reduction, I urge council to prioritize the additional traffic calming infrastructure outlined below.
While this section of Bronte Road falls within a 40km/h area, traffic conditions and a lack of signage create a high-risk environment for residents and pedestrians:
Lack of Clear Speed Signage: Aside from the school zone signage near St Catherine's, there is a distinct absence of standard 40km/h speed limit signs along this segment to remind motorists of the restriction outside school hours.
Topography and Sightline Hazards: Heading northbound from the Leichhardt Street roundabout, Bronte Road runs downhill and doglegs to the left near Lugar Street. This creates a severe blind corner for vehicles traveling in excess of 40km/h, making exiting or reversing out of adjacent driveways extremely dangerous.
Absence of Traffic Calming Measures: While speed humps are effectively used on nearby stretches of Bronte Road and Murray Street beyond the roundabout, none exist on this particular downhill stretch where vehicle momentum naturally builds.
High Foot Traffic and School Crossing Demand: Bronte Road acts as a major pedestrian corridor for children and families navigating between local schools and parks. Despite high foot traffic, there is currently no formal pedestrian crossing over Bronte Road in this area.
Given these factors, we are deeply concerned for the safety of our children crossing the road, as well as the immediate danger to residents accessing their properties.
To address these hazards effectively, we respectfully request that Waverley Council consider the following traffic management interventions:
Pedestrian Crossing: Upgrading the current traffic refuge island to a formal zebra crossing to provide pedestrians and schoolchildren a safer point to cross Bronte Road.
Speed Humps / Traffic Calming: Installing speed humps along this downhill stretch to physically deter speeding, bringing it in line with surrounding streets.
Vehicle Activated / Interactive Speed Signage: Installing a digital speed-check sign (similar to the interactive display successfully deployed on Macpherson Street near the dogleg down to Bronte Beach) to give drivers real-time feedback on their speed.
Clearer 40km/h Signage: Placing prominent, regular 40km/h repeater signs along this stretch so motorists are fully aware of the speed limit at all times.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this critical community safety matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this further or host a council traffic officer on-site to inspect the area during peak hours.
Yours sincerely, Your Name Your Address, Bronte
Project Timeline
The Bronte Road Safety Initiative follows a collaborative, phased approach aligned with Waverley Council's Road Infrastructure Renewal Program and strategic initiatives. This timeline demonstrates how the initiative integrates with Council's broader commitment to improving road safety and pedestrian accessibility across the LGA.
Alignment with Council Programs: This timeline is designed to align with Waverley Council's Road Infrastructure Renewal Program 2024-2025 and reflects the collaborative approach successfully used in projects like the Miller Street Upgrade.
Phase 1: Initial Meeting with Council
Timeframe: Next 4–6 weeks (flexible) Objective: Present community findings, discuss council's risk assessment, and establish collaborative pathway
Phase 2: Collaborative Assessment
Timeframe: 6–8 weeks Objective: Joint council-community review of safety concerns, validation of findings, and exploration of feasible solutions. Council traffic engineers inspect site and validate community observations.
Phase 3: Solution Design
Timeframe: 8–12 weeks Objective: Development of detailed improvement options with engineering and design input; cost and feasibility analysis. Multiple design options prepared for community feedback.
Phase 4: Community & Stakeholder Consultation
Timeframe: 6–10 weeks (concurrent with design refinement) Objective: Gather feedback from residents, schools, aged care facilities, and other stakeholders; refine solutions based on input. Similar to Miller Street (47 submissions, 82% support).
Phase 5: Council Decision & Implementation Planning
Timeframe: 4–8 weeks Objective: Council evaluation and decision on approved measures; development of implementation timeline and budget. Preparation of business case for funding applications.
Phase 6: Implementation & Monitoring
Timeframe: 12–18 months (based on Bourke Street project) Objective: Execute approved safety improvements; monitor effectiveness and gather ongoing community feedback. Based on similar council projects, this phase includes detailed design finalization, procurement, and construction.
Total Expected Timeline: Based on similar Waverley Council projects (Bourke Street: 2.5 years, Miller Street: ongoing with similar phases), the Bronte Road Safety Initiative can expect approximately 18–30 months from initial council meeting to completion. This includes: Initial meeting + assessment (4–6 weeks) + design (8–12 weeks) + consultation (6–10 weeks) + council decision (4–8 weeks) + implementation (12–18 months).
Note: The 40km/h speed limit for Bronte Road is already being implemented April-June 2025 as part of Waverley Council's existing Vision Zero initiative. The Bronte Road Safety Initiative timeline focuses on securing the additional traffic calming infrastructure (speed humps, pedestrian crossings, visibility enhancements) that will complement this approved speed limit reduction.
Flexibility: The community is flexible with timing and location for the initial meeting with council. We are ready to accommodate council's schedule and preferences.
Next Step
Confirmation of initial meeting with council's traffic and planning teams to review this proposal and establish collaborative framework.
Alignment with Council Processes
This timeline reflects how the Bronte Road Safety Initiative integrates with Waverley Council's established project delivery processes:
Consultation & Feedback: Similar to the Road Infrastructure Renewal Program and Miller Street Upgrade, this initiative prioritizes multiple stages of community and stakeholder consultation.
Design Development: Follows Council's best practice approach to developing evidence-based, cost-effective solutions aligned with the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP).
Implementation Support: Community involvement throughout the process mirrors the collaborative approach of other Council projects, ensuring local needs are met while maintaining Council standards.
For more information on related Council programs, see the Related Information tab.
