By Luke Voogt
Pedestrian safety concerns have prompted council to launch investigations into three roads in Geelong’s southern suburbs.
Council announced the investigations at Burdekin Drive, Highton, Highmont Drive, Belmont, and Carter Road, Armstrong Creek after endorsing a report on pedestrian safety.
Kardinia ward councillor Ron Nelson requested the report last month to address community concerns at the locations, along with Meadowvale Drive and Amarina Crescent, Grovedale.
“Thanks to residents raising these concerns with us, we are getting the sites investigated further to determine the next steps to make our suburbs safer and more liveable,” Cr Nelson said.
Council has already funded the construction of new speed humps on Meadowvale Drive, scheduled to commence in coming months, in its 2020-21 capital works program.
The endorsed report recommended undertaking data surveys on traffic volumes, speed, turning movements and pedestrian usage at the other three locations.
“It is pleasing to see works already planned for Meadowvale Drive, Grovedale,” Cr Nelson said.
“I look forward to seeing what can be done for the other sites where community members have raised potential safety issues for pedestrians.”
Council officers will then assess the results of the traffic surveys to determine the suitability of further works.
If suitable, concept plans, engagement with local residents and funding assessments will follow.
Meanwhile, Cr Nelson and Cr Eddy Kontelj took aim at a City Hall report that found free parking in central Geelong would have “no tangible or intangible benefits” for the community.
Cr Kontelj, who requested the report, described it as disappointing, “incredibly underwhelming and ill-informed”.
“This council always has been, and yet continues [to remain] addicted to revenue from on-street parking and … fines.”
The report found free parking in on-street two-hour spaces would result in:
• reduced availability of parks for shoppers and visitors, due CBD workers using them;
• increased traffic and risk of crashes and road rage;
• an estimated annual revenue loss of $13m; and
• a loss of surplus income used to support council services and projects.
Council voted to note the report, with councillors Kontelj, Nelson and Stephanie Asher opposing the motion.
