A PARLIAMENTARY petition calling to legalise the use of golf cart type vehicles on Coochiemudlo Island has gained 330 signatures.
This is not the first time the idea has been mooted. In 2017 Redland state election candidate Peter Dowling called for golf carts to be made a transport option on Lamb, Karragarra and Coochiemudlo islands.
In 2011 a petition from the Coochiemudlo Island Progress Association Inc was handed to the Redland City Council requesting the speed limit be reduced to 40km/h to facilitate the use of alternative means of transport such as golf carts.
- Read more: End of road for island golf buggies
The latest petition started by Pete Rankin and lodged by Redlands MP Kim Richards was referred to Transport Minister Mark Bailey last month.
"The use of golf carts on Coochiemudlo Island roads is ultimately at the discretion of Redland City Council and the police and it is recommended that the safety risks be considered by these parties," Mr Bailey said.
He said golf carts were particularly vulnerable when being used on roads and interacting with other vehicles.
"If their use is supported by the council and police, council may wish to consider reduced speed limits on the island to mitigate the risk," he said.
In November 2012, council dropped the speed limit on Coochiemudlo Island from 50km/h to 40km/h.
Mr Bailey said the government had a conditional registration scheme that allowed limited road use for golf carts under permit.
"Golf carts are only eligible for conditional registration because they do not meet the Australian Design Rules that are in place for all road vehicles," he said.
The ADRs are national standards for vehicle safety that ensure vehicles are built to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a crash.
"The Department of Transport can issue conditional registration to golf carts to enable their limited use on Coochiemudlo Island.
"Those who wish to use golf carts on the roads of Coochiemudlo Island must obtain the authorisation of council, as the road owner, and a permit from the Queensland Police Service," Mr Bailey said.
Both council and QPS have declined permits on the island in the past due to safety concerns.
A council spokesperson said council and police assesses proposed areas on council-controlled roads to determine if they were suitable for the type of vehicles being proposed, before access is permitted.
"The decision on whether to allow golf buggies on the public road network is one that must be supported by three independent agencies, being the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Council, as the road manager," she said.
According to the spokesperson, council would consider any request to use golf buggies on public roads if the proposal was also supported by both QPS and DTMR.
