Improving the Shire's public and active transport network and road safety is a key focus of the new Nillumbik Integrated Transport Strategy 2024-2029.
The Strategy, which was endorsed by Council at the 27 August council meeting, responds to the unique challenges and opportunities facing Nillumbik and its community.
It is the culmination of extensive community consultation and stakeholder engagement, ensuring it reflects the feedback and diverse perspectives of those who live, work and play in our community, who need to 'get from A to B' within and outside of the Shire.
Improving Nillumbik's public and active transport networks is essential for achieving our Council's goals for health, wellbeing, and climate action, ensuring sustainable transport solutions across the Shire for our community.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan said that creating transport networks that are safe, accessible, connected, comfortable and inclusive is important to our community and that access to improved public transport is a key priority for our community.
"A crucial component of this new strategy is our advocacy to state and federal governments to fund vital priority projects to improve transport infrastructure and services," Cr Ramcharan said.
"With this strategy, Council is committed to enhancing the quality of transport integration for residents by working with government partners and agencies towards an efficient and sustainable transport network," Councillor Ramcharan said.
The Strategy is a long-term initiative requiring support and funding from all levels of government to meet the needs of our growing community and provide modern, sustainable transport solutions for our unique Shire.
A crucial component is our advocacy to state and federal governments for funding of vital priority projects to improve public transport infrastructure and services, in particular the bus network.
To help us achieve the objectives of this Strategy, we've developed an Action Plan, which provides a comprehensive framework to guide Council in advocating for and implementing transport initiatives in a cohesive and holistic way. It outlines ongoing short, medium and long-term actions to be undertaken over the next decade and beyond.
To read the Strategy and its Action Plan go to: nillumbik.vic.gov.au/ITS and search Transport and Traffic.
Connect Melbourne's North advocacy campaign
Nillumbik has recently joined forces with the other members of the Northern Council Alliance for the launch of the Connect Melbourne's North: It's time to transform our transport campaign.
In conjunction with Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Mitchell and Whittlesea councils, we are seeking investment in the north and are advocating for better infrastructure and connectivity throughout the regions.
Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan said that safe, reliable bus access was crucial for our Shire, particularly our rural residents who may not drive or have access to a vehicle, or who may live a long distance from a train station.
With the launch of this campaign, we are continuing our advocacy efforts for an improved bus service in Nillumbik.
