The majority of community feedback was supportive of the Draft Mercer, Gheringhap and Bayley Streetscape Masterplan during 55 days of engagement between 29 November 2023 to 23 January 2024.
The plan to progressively make the entire length of Mercer, Gheringhap and Bayley streets in central Geelong more inviting, accessible and green proposes a significant increase in community areas, gardens, parks, tree planting and safety measures.
Feedback was received from residents, city workers, business owners, visitors, students and interest groups, with nearly 110 completed online surveys and 1,323 people visitors to our Have Your Say page. Several people attended the City's two pop up sessions in central Geelong.
The majority of respondents supported measures to alter the streetscape by incorporating additional greenery, widening footpaths, and strengthening opportunities for active transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport.
Three overarching themes emerged from the consultation:
- Greening
An increase in vegetation across the masterplan areas attracted majority support, with suggestions for native species, vegetation with attractive colours, and species that support local wildlife.
- People-friendly uses
Most community members supported actions that would make Mercer, Gheringhap and Bayley streets more people-friendly through outdoor dining, wider footpaths, and the potential for temporary road closures to support special events. Some respondents were concerned about what some of these proposed changes would mean for traffic flow and parking.
- Access and movement
Wider footpaths, better cycle infrastructure, and efforts to improve the pedestrian experience were supported by most respondents. A considerable number of responses mainly objected to the removal of driving lanes and a reduction of car parks. These community members were concerned that the changes would create traffic congestion and make parking difficult.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
I thank the community for making the effort to share its thoughts.We can't reinvigorate Mercer, Gheringhap and Bayley streets without the valuable insights and ideas from the community.
While it's great to see a lot of support for the masterplan, the City has heard the concerns raised and will work with transport engineers, residents, and businesses to make improvements to the draft masterplan.
Councillor Peter Murrihy
It is helpful to see what the community's priorities are during the engagement.It's fantastic that the community is keen to increase central Geelong's tree canopy, walkability and accessibility.
This feedback will shape the final masterplan before it comes to Council for adoption.
Read the full engagement report on our Have Your Say platform.
