In the tranquil rural setting of South Nanango, a pressing issue is stirring up more than just dust.
The residents of Whitaker Road are locked in a struggle against the very path that connects their homes—a 1-kilometre stretch of gravel that has become a source of significant health risks, safety hazards, and daily frustrations.
With a united front, they have petitioned the South Burnett Regional Council to upgrade the road to bitumen, citing urgent concerns that can no longer be ignored.
A Community in Distress
On 19 March 2025, 22 residents of Whitaker Road, along with a local school bus driver, submitted a petition to the South Burnett Regional Council. Their plea is simple yet critical: upgrade Whitaker Road from gravel to bitumen to safeguard the health and safety of the community.
“We’re witnessing a surge in respiratory problems, particularly among our children and elderly. The dust is relentless, infiltrating our homes and contaminating our water supplies. It’s not just a nuisance; it’s a serious health hazard.”
— Barbara Anderson, lead petitioner
Breathing Dust: The Health Crisis on Whitaker Road
The gravel surface of Whitaker Road generates excessive dust, even when vehicles adhere to the 60 km/h speed limit. This dust doesn’t merely coat surfaces; it permeates the air, posing severe health risks to residents. Those with pre-existing conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are especially vulnerable, experiencing exacerbated symptoms. Children and the elderly face a heightened risk of developing respiratory illnesses due to prolonged exposure.
Beyond respiratory issues, the dust causes allergic reactions, eye irritation, and skin problems. It invades homes, diminishing indoor air quality, and settles on roofs, tainting rainwater tanks that are crucial for drinking water in rural areas. The psychological impact is also profound, with increased stress levels forcing residents to curtail outdoor activities, thereby detracting from the rural lifestyle they cherish.
A Road to Ruin: Safety and Drainage Problems
The woes of Whitaker Road extend beyond health concerns to encompass significant safety and infrastructure challenges. Inadequate drainage leads to flooding and erosion during heavy rainfall, rendering the road treacherous and occasionally impassable. Motorists navigate a minefield of hazards, from corrugated surfaces to narrow sections where passing oncoming traffic is perilous.
Residents recount harrowing incidents where vehicles have veered off the road, crashing through front fences. Fortunately, these accidents have not resulted in serious injuries thus far, but as one resident notes, “It’s only a matter of time before luck runs out.”
The intersection of Old Esk Road and Whitaker Road is particularly notorious, with its design described as “a disaster waiting to happen” due to a hill crest that obscures visibility.
Broken Promises: The History of Whitaker Road
The current predicament is compounded by a history of unfulfilled promises. In 2007, the former Nanango Shire Council had earmarked funds for upgrading Whitaker Road to bitumen. However, following the amalgamation that formed the South Burnett Regional Council, these plans were abandoned, and the allocated funds were redirected elsewhere.
Since then, traffic on Whitaker Road has surged by approximately 70%, primarily due to the closure of nearby Lanes Road. This has transformed Whitaker Road into the main thoroughfare connecting Old Esk Road and Old Yarraman Road, funnelling a higher volume of vehicles through an already problematic stretch.
Living in Fear: The Daily Struggle of Residents
The increased traffic not only amplifies the dust problem but also elevates the risk of accidents. A tragic reminder of the road’s dangers is the fatal crash that occurred in 2006. Despite this, meaningful improvements have been scant, leaving residents frustrated and fearful.
“While we locals drive cautiously, visitors often don’t realise how treacherous the road can be. We’ve had cars smash through fences, and it’s sheer luck no one has been hurt badly yet.”
— Terese Vaughan, petitioner
The school bus driver who supports the petition has also raised concerns about the road’s condition, emphasising the potential for a serious accident involving children.
Time for Change: Residents Demand Action
The residents of Whitaker Road are not seeking extravagance; they are advocating for basic safety and quality of life, factors often taken for granted in more urban settings. Upgrading the road to bitumen would mitigate dust emissions, enhance drainage, lower maintenance expenses, and most crucially, protect the community’s health and well-being.
The petition has been referred to the Chief Executive Officer for review, and the community eagerly awaits a report at the next council meeting, hoping for a swift and favorable response. The residents remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that action will be taken promptly.
“This isn’t just about a road; it’s about our health, our safety, and our right to enjoy the rural lifestyle we chose. We need the council to act now.”
— Barbara Anderson
How You Can Help
The families of Whitaker Road face dust and potential disaster with every passing day of inaction. The upcoming council review is a critical opportunity to address the health risks, safety hazards, and infrastructural issues. The time for change is now, and by supporting initiatives like this one, together, we can ensure rural communities receive the infrastructure they deserve:
- Contacting the Council: Email info@southburnett.qld.gov.au to voice support.
- Attending Monthly Meetings: Held at the Warren Truss Chamber, Glendon Street, Kingaroy.
- Sharing This Story: Spread awareness on social media using #FixWhitakerRoad.