City considers early feedback on Integrated Transport Strategy

THE City of Greater Geelong is reporting a big response from people who live, work, visit and move through the municipality during the first phase of engagement on its Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS).

The strategy is intended to set the vision and directions for transport decision-making in the medium to long term, with feedback from April–June this year to inform the final strategy.

People were asked about issues and opportunities for all modes of movement across the municipality including walking, riding a bicycle, using public transport, catching the ferry, driving and freight movements.

The City also directly invited local schools, significant local employers, surrounding councils, the G21 Geelong Regional Alliance, community groups, council advisory committees and external stakeholders to have their say.

The interactive map on the City’s Have Your Say page received 947 contributions, while 583 people completed the survey and the vision board attracted 100 big ideas.

Those aged between 35 and 49 gave the most survey responses (231), equivalent to 43 per cent, while people aged 50–59 made 108 contributions and the 60 to 69 age group had 74 responses.

Ocean Grove, Belmont, Armstrong Creek, Geelong and Lara were the top five participating suburbs.

Several key themes were identified, including a desire for:

• More frequent, direct, and reliable bus services
• Improved bicycle infrastructure safety and connectivity
• Bus shelter improvements
• More secure bicycle parking
• Improved Bellarine Peninsula bus connectivity
• Safe and connected walking infrastructure that is accessible to all
• Improved signal phasing and traffic congestion
• Improved ferry services
• Effective parking management, and
• Park and ride options.

The top four community values related to transport were:

• Public transport that is safe, frequent, reliable, fast, and well connected
• Liveability and amenity of streets and local neighbourhoods
• Footpaths that are safe and well connected, and
• An equitable and accessible transport system that provides a range of options for all users.

A discussion paper will be available and a review of the Principal Bicycle Network will be run in partnership with the Department of Transport and Planning, Transport Accident Commission and community groups.

For the full engagement report, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ITS