Closure vote deferred

Kim Waters
FRUSTRATED Point Lonsdale residents fear a decision over a controversial street closure will “never be made” after the matter was again deferred at last week’s council meeting, according to an objector.
Resident Angus McDonald said Queenscliff council voted at last week’s meeting to remove a temporary closure and related signage on Alexander Crescent.
But council deferred voting on a proposal for a permanent closure of the popular back beach shortcut until the results of a street survey were analysed, he said.
The Independent has run a series of recent reports on the proposed permanent closure, which residents in surrounding streets and CFA officers label a fire-safety hazard.
Last week’s meeting was the third time Queenscliff council deferred a vote on the matter.
Mr McDonald said residents were “overjoyed” council had removed the temporary blockade but wanted a “firm decision” on a permanent closure.
“We just want to see an end to it,” Mr McDonald said. “It’s a pity it’s dragged on and taken so long to reach a sensible conclusion.
“Hopefully now is a time for council to try and find a cheaper, more sensible solution rather than deciding on a permanent closure.”
Mr McDonald hoped council would consider alternatives to a permanent closure after analysing the street survey.
“I don’t think they (council) would dare go through the process of trying another closure, especially now that it’s been identified as a fire safety hazard,” he said.
A Queenscliff Council spokesperson said the survey was sent out to residents of the street and adjoining properties.
Council was awaiting the results, he said.
“We’ve asked what sort of road treatments residents would be in favour of.
“There was a list that ranged from virtually doing nothing through to completely closing the road or adding more chicanes or speed humps.
“Council has deferred their decision on the matter until the residents have been surveyed.”