Locals encouraged to have their say on St Leonards shopping strip

THE community is invited to have its say on draft plans to beautify and improve the Murradoc Road shopping strip in St Leonards.
The City has set aside $400,428 for the upgrades, which will improve the safety, usability and overall look of the trading precinct and attract more visitors.
Works will include drainage improvements, street furniture, garden beds, bike racks, a new information tourist sign and noticeboard, toilet area clean up and pedestrian crossing improvements.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said she, Cr Jim Mason and Cr Trent Sullivan had been advocating for this project since they were elected to the Bellarine ward, after community feedback.
“This will be a terrific outcome for traders, community members and visitors and hopefully provide a boost to the local economy,” she said.
Cr Mason said the shopping strip needed a bit of love and he looked forward to seeing the eventual improvements in safety, accessibility and the general look and feel of the precinct.
“This project will also promote sustainable water use by directing stormwater to the street trees and garden beds, which will in turn reduce the amount of stormwater going into the bay,” he said.
Residents, traders and community groups are encouraged to have their say by Monday December 16 at geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay.
The City is also holding two community consultation drop-in sessions at Memorial Hall, 1342 Murradoc Rd, St Leonards on Wednesday November 27 between 10am and 12pm, and Community Centre, 3/1377 Murradoc Road (corner Blanche Street), St Leonards on Thursday November 28 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
A summary of feedback will be provided to participants in February 2020, and construction work is expected to begin in March.