Cycling could be a key to the Geelong region’s economic success, according to Infrastructure Victoria.
Connecting greater Geelong with a network of safe cycle paths would ease growing congestion on roads and public transport, the independent state advisory body stated on Wednesday.
The statement comes amid more than two years of intense debate over Geelong council’s controversial planned principal bike network.
The planned network’s bike paths connecting central Geelong and Waurn Ponds through High Street Belmont and Moorabool Street have enraged some traders.
The traders and other opponents of the plans believe they will cause more traffic congestion and kill strip shopping.
In response council and local bicycle groups have promoted the health benefits and argued the plans will instead improve congestion and shopping patronage.
The proposed route for the paths and TAC threats to withdraw its $4.7 million in funding for the project if council changes the route have also drawn criticism.
As Infrastructure Victoria released its draft 30‐year strategy on Wednesday, its chief executive Michel Masson stressed the importance of rethinking transport.
“As a major employment and services hub, we expect Geelong’s population to expand most in the city and coast where more people are moving to live and work,” Mr Masson said.
“Rethinking the way communities get around their cities and suburbs is critical as this population grows and puts pressure on roads and public transport.
“Supporting active transport with safe and accessible infrastructure, such as separate cycle ways, would not only reduce traffic congestion but also promote healthy communities.”
Infrastructure Victoria’s 30-year strategy also listed tourism as key to Geelong’s future.
“There is no time to wait in protecting Victoria’s deteriorating coastal assets, with stretches of beach washed away at Apollo Bay and coastal erosion threatening the Great Ocean Road,” Mr Masson said.
“Getting tourism dollars back into the Barwon region quickly and beyond seasonal peaks will help its economic recovery, and can be achieved by enhancing its many great destinations.”
The strategy lists recommendations for the Geelong region on transport, roads, rail, digital connectivity, health and emergency management.
Mr Masson invited Geelong locals to read and comment on the draft strategy at infravic.com/30yearstrategy.
