Splash Park & Ida Street traffic calming initiatives
Safer streets for children and pedestrians
Cook Shire Council has been working with the community to address road safety concerns near the Splash Park on Webber Esplanade and along Ida Street at the May Street intersection.
Community feedback, including a petition regarding speeding near the Splash Park, highlighted concerns about vehicles travelling too quickly in areas with regular pedestrian activity — particularly where children are present.
Initial traffic calming devices were installed in early 2026 to encourage lower vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety. Following installation, Council monitored the performance of the devices and listened to community feedback regarding noise, comfort and operational impacts.
As part of this review, Council removed the original devices and investigated alternative traffic calming options that would continue to encourage safer driving behaviour while better balancing community amenity and road conditions.
Revised traffic calming devices have now been selected and will be installed in late May 2026.
Location:
Traffic calming measures will be installed at two locations:
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Webber Esplanade – Splash Park area, where families and children frequently access the foreshore and playground facilities
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Ida Street / May Street intersection, which forms part of a route commonly used by children travelling to and from school and nearby community facilities
Scope:
The project involves the installation of modular rubber traffic calming devices designed to moderate vehicle speeds in local street environments with pedestrian activity.
The works include:
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Installation of modular rubber traffic calming devices across the roadway
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Anchoring of devices to the pavement surface
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Installation of reflective panels for improved visibility
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Temporary traffic management during installation
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Ongoing monitoring of device performance and community feedback
The revised devices being installed are lower-profile modular rubber traffic calming devices designed to moderate vehicle speeds while providing a smoother transition for vehicles compared with traditional speed humps.
Typical characteristics include:
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Height: approximately 50 mm
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Width: approximately 900 mm
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Modular rubber construction with high-visibility reflective panels
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Anchored installation for stability
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Full roadway width installation including end caps
The lower vertical profile and wider contact surface reduce the abrupt impact experienced when vehicles travel over the devices. This helps minimise noise and improves comfort for buses, service vehicles and emergency vehicles while still encouraging drivers to slow down.
The devices are intended to encourage drivers to reduce speeds to around 30 km/h when travelling over them — a speed considered appropriate in areas with increased pedestrian activity.
The design and selection of these devices considered guidance from:
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Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 8 – Local Area Traffic Management
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Australian Standard AS 1742.13 – Local Area Traffic Management
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Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Council will continue to monitor the performance of the devices and community feedback following installation to ensure they are achieving the intended safety outcomes.
These works form part of Council’s ongoing commitment to slowing vehicles to safer speeds and improving pedestrian safety in areas where children and families are present.
30 January 2026 | Update on traffic calming works – Ida Street and Webber Esplanade
4 February 2026 | Next steps for traffic calming near Splash Park and Ida Street
11 May 2026 | Public Notice – Installation of speed humps
Frequently asked questions
Why is Council installing traffic calming devices here?
These locations were identified through community feedback and operational review as areas where vehicles were travelling too quickly in environments with regular pedestrian activity, particularly where children are present.
Traffic calming devices are used to encourage drivers to reduce speed and improve safety for pedestrians.
Why were the original devices removed?
After the initial installation, Council monitored their performance and received feedback from nearby residents. A review determined the original devices were not the most suitable option for these locations, particularly when balancing safety outcomes with noise and vehicle comfort.
They were removed as a precautionary risk management measure while alternative devices were assessed.
What devices are being installed now?
Council will install modular rubber traffic calming devices designed to provide a smoother transition for vehicles while still encouraging drivers to slow down.
These devices have a lower profile and wider contact surface compared to traditional speed humps, reducing abrupt vehicle impact while still moderating speeds.
Will these devices damage vehicles?
No. When driven over at appropriate speeds, these devices will not damage vehicles. They are designed to encourage drivers to slow down to approximately 30 km/h when travelling over them.
Why is slowing vehicles important here?
Both locations are used regularly by pedestrians, including children accessing nearby parks, the Splash Park and routes to school and community facilities. Slowing vehicles in these environments helps improve safety for everyone using the area.
How long will installation take?
Installation is expected to take approximately half a day at each location, subject to weather and operational conditions.
Temporary traffic management will be in place during the works.
Will Council monitor the devices after installation?
Yes. Council will monitor the performance of the devices and continue to consider community feedback to ensure they are achieving the intended safety outcomes. Community are invited to provide their feedback through Council’s official channels, but calling 4082 0500 during office hours or emailing mail@cook.qld.gov.au at any time.
What can drivers do to help?
Motorists are reminded that speed limits are maximum speeds, not targets. Drivers should always adjust their speed to suit road conditions, particularly in areas where children and pedestrians are present.
Project Timeline
September 2024
Community petition received
Concerns raised about vehicle speeds near the Splash Park on Webber Esplanade presented at September Council meeting.
2025–2026
Operational Plan project identified
Road safety improvements at the Ida Street / May Street intersection included in 2025-26 Council’s Operational Plan (OP26-11).
Early 2026
Initial devices installed
Traffic calming introduced at Webber Esplanade and Ida Street / May Street.
Early 2026
Monitoring and feedback
Council monitored the devices and received community feedback.
Early 2026
Initial devices removed
Original devices removed while more suitable alternatives were assessed.
February – March 2026
Revised devices reasearched
Lower-profile modular rubber traffic calming devices chosen.
April 2026
Ordinary Council Meeting
New devised to be endorsed/approved at the Ordinary Council Meeting.
Late May 2026
Installation planned
Revised devices scheduled for installation at both locations.