Community & Business
16 September, 2026
Intersection fears
A LAKE Eacham resident who is “petrified” of getting into an accident at an intersection near her property because of poor visibility has again had her concerns dismissed by Tablelands Regional Council.
A LAKE Eacham resident who is “petrified” of getting into an accident at an intersection near her property because of poor visibility has again had her concerns dismissed by Tablelands Regional Council.
Over the past eight years, Pauline Caines has made regular complaints to the council (TRC) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) about visibility issues at the Lakes Dr-Lake Barrine Rd intersection.
Ms Caines insists that, when looking right for oncoming traffic, it is almost impossible to see if any vehicles are coming due to tall patches of what looks to be guinea grass.
“Since 2018 I have regularly complained about the poor visibility due to the inadequate slashing of roadside grass,” she said.
“When you’re exiting Lakes Dr, looking to your right, you cannot see the oncoming traffic until it’s almost on you, and it’s 100 (km/h) through there.
“I’ve spoken with (contractors) and I was told they are only contracted to do two mows (two slasher widths) and that’s it.
“The intersection has been inspected by TMR, who claim that visibility is adequate, but that’s only for the near approaches to the intersection. The long grass is about 160m from the intersection and is usually left untouched.”
She added that vehicles travelling from the oncoming direction were also limited visually, due to the grass, and due to the grade and curvature of the road, which bends uphill around a corner about 200m from the intersection.
However, after conducting a sight-distance assessment from a computer, TRC stated the approximate 200-210m of sight distance was “generally consistent” with the minimum requirement suggested by Austroads (the body providing advice to all levels of government on road networks), which was approximately 210m.
“The available sight distance is therefore generally consistent with the minimum requirement,” a council spokesperson said.
Ms Caines has made her concerns known to TRC via in-person visits, by calls and by emails with photos, yet she claims she only ever received automated responses or promises to follow up within a certain timeframe.
It was only after The Express contacted the council that an officer was sent out to inspect the area.
“A council officer inspected the intersection on 8 September (last Tuesday). Vegetation was observed along the approach which may partially affect visibility from the give-way line, and the area is due for its programmed slashing treatment,” the spokesperson said.
The programmed slashing was scheduled for August, however, the program is currently “running behind schedule” due to wet weather and “other factors affecting delivery”.
“Council records indicate the last completed cut at this location was in February… This section is expected to be attended to within the next one to two weeks.”
TRC refused to reveal any information on Ms Caines’ previous complaints.
Ms Caines reported other concerns at the intersection such as regular speeding and dangerous overtaking, but ultimately, she just wants more of the grass to be cut.
“I’m afraid that somebody’s going to be killed. That’s what’s going to happen and I don’t think they’re going to do anything until that happens.”
