Borough’s new strategy set to link pedestrian upgrades

THE Borough of Queenscliffe has opened its consultation period for its first Active Transport Strategy.

The Active Transport Strategy, the first of its kind, opened on January 24 and will aim to help residents travel easier throughout the borough by improving the area’s pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

Mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe, Ross Ebbels, is convinced there are an array of benefits set to come out of his council’s Active Transport Strategy.

“Active transport is great for our health, better for our environment, and accessible for our youngest and oldest residents,” Cr Ebbels said.

“Developing an Active Transport Strategy will allow us to better invest in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and make it safer and easier to get around the borough.”

The Active Transport Strategy looks to link the busier spots across the borough, creating greater ease for pedestrians at popular locations within the Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale areas.

“Gaps in our pedestrian and cycling networks, like busy roads without crossings or footpaths that suddenly end, make it harder to get around safely and easily,” Cr Ebbels said.

“Assessing the active transport needs of the wholeborough under a single strategy will make it easier for council to identify and fix these gaps, creating continuous networks that are more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.”

The borough reinforced that community input will remain a vital component to identifying where investment is needed most and understanding the barriers residents face in choosing active transport.

Council is also encouraging residents and visitors to share their ideas by taking part in an online survey or an interactive webinar.

“Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure are some of our most popular council projects,” Cr Ebbels said.

“Taking part in this consultation is quick, easy and will help guide council’s investment for a long time.

“I’d encourage everyone in our community to share their thoughts with us.”

Council is scheduled to publish an interim report outlining its findings from the consultation period and how it will impact the strategy in March.

Details on how to take part in the consultation period are available on council’s website at queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/active. Consultations close on Sunday, 20 February.