The Broadford Residents Action Group (BRAG) would like to sincerely thank Mayor John Dougall and Mitchell Shire Council for listening to community concerns regarding pedestrian safety on the new Short Street Bridge and for advocating on behalf of Broadford residents.

We appreciate Mayor Dougall's update on the proposed pedestrian barrier and his commitment to keeping the community informed about where the matter currently stands. It is encouraging to see Council working with the relevant authorities to ensure local concerns are heard and considered.

BRAG has consistently raised the importance of pedestrian safety at this location, and we are grateful to Mayor Dougall and Council for their support in bringing these concerns to the attention of those with the authority to investigate and implement a solution.

This outcome demonstrates the value of constructive community advocacy and collaboration between residents, Council, and government agencies. While there is still work to be done, this is a positive step towards achieving a safer outcome for everyone who uses the bridge.

Thank you to all community members who have spoken up, shared their concerns, and supported this important issue. Together, we can continue to make Broadford a safer and better place for all.

Broadford Residents Action Group (BRAG)
Your voice. Your community. Working together for positive outcomes.

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Mitchell Shire Council and the Broadford Residents Action Group (BRAG) have spent more than two years urging Inland Rail to improve pedestrian safety on the Short Street Bridge by installing a physical barrier between pedestrians and traffic. 

Both groups argue that the current design leaves pedestrians exposed, particularly on the north-eastern footpath. Inland Rail has rejected calls for a fence, stating it would obstruct motorists’ sightlines at nearby intersections and maintains that the bridge design has undergone extensive review, meets all required standards, and has been approved by the Department of Transport and Planning.

While Inland Rail points to the bridge’s non-mountable kerb as a safety measure, BRAG and local residents believe it provides insufficient protection from larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. Concerns are heightened by the bridge’s history, with the previous structure requiring a safety fence after a number of accidents and near misses. Residents question why the new bridge offers less protection than the one it replaced.

BRAG is also concerned that responsibility for funding any future safety barrier could fall to Mitchell Shire ratepayers. The group argues that Inland Rail should install appropriate pedestrian barriers as part of the project. It is calling on residents to support a community petition, saying pedestrian safety, particularly for children, older residents, parents with prams, and people using mobility aids, should remain the priority.

19/08/2026