Council welcomes investigation into pedestrian safety concerns

Published on 26 August 2026

West Wimmera Shire Council has welcomed confirmation that pedestrian safety concerns on the Western Highway in Kaniva are being investigated.

The Department of Transport and Planning has confirmed it is investigating the site to determine what interim measures may be appropriate while more permanent repairs are considered.

The concerns relate specifically to the condition of the highway through Kaniva's business area, where rutting and uneven surfaces are creating difficulties for pedestrians crossing the road between the businesses and footpaths on either side.

Council has received concerns about pedestrians tripping when attempting to cross the highway, as well as people being forced to negotiate around the uneven and rutted sections of the road.

The issue is of particular concern in Kaniva's business area, where pedestrians regularly need to cross the highway to access shops and services.

Council and the Western Highway Action Committee have been advocating for the issue to be addressed, with a focus on achieving a safer and more practical crossing environment for pedestrians.

The department has now advised that its crews monitor and inspect the Western Highway weekly in accordance with its Road Management Plan, with routine maintenance activities planned and prioritised to support the safety of all road users.

The department will investigate the Kaniva site to determine what interim measures might be appropriate while more permanent repairs are considered.

The department has also advised that experts are finalising the 2026–27 planned maintenance program and that the Western Highway at Kaniva will be considered as part of that program.

Council welcomes the acknowledgement of the issue, but remains concerned that the community continues to wait for a clear commitment to when the necessary works will be undertaken.

Council has raised the matter because the concerns are real and require a practical response.

While the investigation and consideration of interim measures are welcome, Council will continue to press the department for action rather than simply an acknowledgement of the problem.

Mayor Tim Meyer said Council appreciated the department response but said the community needed to see progress on the ground.

“Council and the Western Highway Action Committee have been raising these concerns because we want to see something done,” he said.

“The rutting and uneven surface across the highway are making it difficult for pedestrians to safely cross between the businesses and footpaths in the centre of Kaniva.

“We have had concerns raised about people tripping as they cross the road, and this is exactly the sort of issue that needs a practical response.

“We welcome the fact that the department is investigating the site and looking at possible interim measures, but the community has been very clear that they want to see action.

“Council will continue to advocate for the necessary works to be prioritised.

“We understand that the department has a significant road network to manage, but that doesn't lessen the importance of addressing a known safety concern in Kaniva.

“We will continue to follow this up with the department and push for a practical solution and a clear timeframe for the works.”

Council also encourages community members to continue reporting urgent road issues that pose an immediate safety risk through the Department of Transport and Planning's dedicated hotline on 13 11 70, and non-urgent matters through the department's online reporting system.

Council will continue discussions with the department and keep the community informed as further advice is received and decisions are made regarding interim and permanent works in Kaniva.