Slowdown urged for speed limit complaints

THE Borough of Queenscliffe (BoQ) says it is yet to make a final call on whether to implement 30kmh speed limits across the municipality, in response to widespread criticism of the idea.

Community groups have also warned that focusing on the 30kmh limit could disrupt other positive initiatives within a planned transport strategy, but agree the controversial speed cut should be scrapped.

BoQ is accepting submissions on its draft Active Transport Strategy, which was tabled at its February council meeting.

An idea to reduce speed limits to 30kmh in a bid to improve pedestrian safety was one of four key strategies identified in the 64-page report, which broadly aims to encourage more transport without cars within the municipality.

The strategy reasoned that the lack of safe pedestrian paths at many local roads, particularly at Point Lonsdale, would increase risk of collisions with vehicles if the plan successfully encouraged more people to travel by foot, bicycle, scooter or wheelchair.

A 10-year pathway improvement network, finishing missing links in the Bellarine Rail Trail and increasing bicycle parking provision are other key strategies identified.

An online petition in opposition to the 30kmh plan launched last week and had reached more than 1,700 signatures by this week after it attracted statewide media attention.

Objectors have complained the change would result in impacts on small businesses, “overreach” from local government and potential lack of compliance.

The borough responded to criticism last week by emphasising the plan was still in the draft stage, and that it had not reached a final decision in implementing its recommendations.

“We are asking you what you think, and we embrace the diversity of opinions we receive,” mayor Isabelle Tolhurst said.

“Feedback ensures a strategy reflects the wants and needs of our community.

“We encourage you to read the draft Active Transport Strategy and make a submission, on all or any components of it.

“This is precisely what community consultation is about.”

The borough said its strategy included a “thorough community engagement process”, during which 500 residents and visitors shared their views via an online platform, and the borough also hosted workshops that included school crossing supervisors, neighbouring councils and Victoria Police.

The Active Transport Strategy was identified as a need under the borough’s Climate Emergency Response Plan that it is enacting alongside community members.

Queencliffe Climate Action Now (QCAN) said it supported the principles of the strategy and warned focus on the 30kmh proposal risked derailing other initiatives.

“We agree that the 30kmh proposal should not be considered in its current state, but the draft Active Transport Strategy also presents a number of positive recommendations,” QCAN president Kitty Walker said.

“We don’t want to lose this important opportunity – this process of community consultation that council is trying to go through – to support and improve other aspects of the strategy.”

All three councillors in attendance at February’s meeting – Isabelle Tolhurst, Ross Ebbels and Michael Grout – spoke in support of the strategy, and unanimously voted to extend community consultation from 14 days to 28 days.

Consultation on the transport strategy is open until Monday, May 1.