Colac Otway seeks feedback about traffic strategy

THE Colac Otway Shire is proposing changing the speed limits in some of its coastal and Otways towns in response to the rapid growth of tourism in the area.

The shire has released the draft Tourism Traffic and Parking Strategy for public comment.

Colac Otway mayor Jason Schram said the strategy’s development was the first step in addressing parking and traffic issues in Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, Marengo, Wye River, Separation Creek Lavers Hill, Forrest and Kennett River.

“The draft strategy will go on public exhibition so the communities that have to deal with tourist traffic can have their say and provide feedback on the plan before council finalises it next year.

“Once the strategy is adopted, we can use it to guide infrastructure development and support state and federal funding applications so council can gain the money to improve parking and safety.

“The draft plan focuses on the towns along the Great Ocean Road, along with Forrest because of its location on the shire’s main inland route from the coast.

“Council used the results of local traffic counts in each town over the Australia Day weekend this year, as well as all the information and concerns gathered from the community and various agencies.”

He said local residents were concerned about drivers speeding, pedestrian safety, town entrances and international driver behaviour.

“The strategy proposes consistent, safer speed limits, safer access for pedestrians, better management for tourist buses, changes to signs and looking at making sure international drivers comply with rules and regulations.

“But ultimately speed limits and some other proposals in the strategy will be the decision of VicRoads as the road authority.

“The draft document also considers the need for an investigation into the location and number public toilets, which Council is already looking into as part of next year’s budget process.”

Cr Schram urged local residents and business owners to look at the draft, go to the community information sessions planned for the coast early next year, and have their say on the important plan to tackle tourism traffic and parking issues.

The draft strategy can be viewed online at colacotway.vic.gov.au or at the council’s Customer Service Centres at Apollo Bayor Colac.