The Greater Geelong council has voted to make several modifications to the completed section of the Green Spine on Malop Street.
The decision came as a result of a motion put forward by Councillor Eddy Kontelj, which won majority council support.
While acknowledging the success of the 'Botanical Walk' installed as part of the Green Spine, Cr Kontelj's motion stated that the significant traffic congestion and pedestrian crossing safety concerns had "frustrated and angered a portion of the community".
The changes approved by the council include:
- the removal of a separated bike lane on the north side of the Green Spine
- reinstatement of right-turn lanes on the east approach to Moorabool Street and the west approach to Yarra Street
- installation of more 2P on-street car parks, without compromising taxi services and
- improvements to pedestrians and disability accessibility (relating to the raised kerb separating the bike lanes).
The decision directs that the works are to be funded in the council's 2020-2021 budget and future budgets, and must start during the 2020-2021 financial year.
It also instructs City of Greater Geelong staff to work with Regional Roads Victoria to improve the scheduling, timing and synchronising of traffic lights at intersections and pedestrian crossings along the street.
And the resolution gives direction for the next stage (block one) of the Green Spine, to be built between Gheringhap and Moorabool Streets, stating that the design should pay tribute to the Traditional Owners of the land.
None of these proposed works or modifications will impact the 'Botanical Walk'.
The motion was passed six votes to five, with councillors Kontelj, Asher, Grzybek, Aitken, Nelson and Sullivan in favour, and councillors Murrihy, Mansfield, Murnane, Harwood and Mason against.
Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor
These changes are modifications to the Green Spine in response to strong community feedback. The council was unanimous in its praise of the botanical features of the design, which have undoubtedly made the street a more appealing place to spend time.
However, it's become clear that our community is frustrated with the traffic congestion along Malop Street, and as their elected representatives it's our duty to respond. We believe these changes will help get traffic moving again, without compromising the aim of the project, which is to create a greener, more attractive city centre. The bike lane will remain on the south side of the street.
The overall vision for the Green Spine will be more obvious to our community once it's built all the way from Johnstone Park to Eastern Gardens. And at the same time, it's unfair to expect our community to leave their cars at home when they don't have access to high standard bus services or other public transport means. In both cases the need for progress is urgent but the funding and timelines are in the state government's control, so the council's hands are tied. We can only do what's in our power to help workers, shoppers and visitors get into and through central Geelong as efficiently as possible.
