TRAFFIC TROUBLES: Solutions urged for Drysdale precinct

BELLARINE Secondary College is urging the City of Greater Geelong for help to alleviate the growing levels of traffic near its Drysdale campus as a priority.

However, the city says there are no immediate solutions to the problem nor funding to put towards the issue.

The college’s campus for its Year 9-12 students is located in a precinct that includes the Potato Shed multi-arts facility, St Ignatius College Geelong, St Thomas Catholic Primary College, and the almost-complete North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, which will open next month.

The only way to reach all five sites is to drive in and out via Peninsula Drive, which connects to Grubb Road near the start of the Drysdale Bypass.

Speaking at last month’s council meeting, Bellarine Secondary College principal and school council president Wayne Johannesen said traffic volumes had significantly increased around the college over at least the past three years, which had raised safety and accessibility concerns.

“The escalating traffic congestion around our school is a threat to the safety of our students, as it leads to many near-misses during arrival and dismissal times.

“Furthermore, this situation negatively impacts the ability of emergency vehicles to access our school swiftly in case of an emergency.

“We believe that through collaboration and the implementation of effective traffic management solutions, we can create a safer environment for our students and alleviate the traffic-related challenges that our school is currently facing.”

Mr Johannesen said the college was keen to work closely with the city to address these issues.

“We have sought guidance and support in finding a suitable solution to our concerns but as yet this hasn’t eventuated to anything which we feel alleviates our concerns.

“How can the city work with our school to improve road access and implement measures to mitigate the increased traffic risks in the vicinity of our school, considering the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff as a priority?”

In response, the city’s acting executive director of city infrastructure David Greaves noted the city’s existing safety measures outside the college included a 40 kmh speed limit, no stopping zones, and extra drop off and pick up parking areas nearby where parents can park and walk their children to school.

“We are aware that some parents are choosing to park illegally in Peninsula Drive at drop off and pick up times,” he said.

“The city’s local laws officers are actively monitoring illegally parking along Peninsula Drive and will continue to do so to improve pedestrian safety.”

“As part of the North Bellarine pool project, we have recently installed a new roundabout on Peninsula Drive and the installation of a wombat crossing to give pedestrians a safe crossing between the schools and new pool is currently in progress.

“This raised crossing will also help lower vehicle speeds in this precinct.”

There are plans to extend Peninsula Drive to the south and connect it to Belchers Road, Mr Greaves said, which would help manage parking and access demands during school drop-off and pick-up times.

“This proposal has been submitted to the council for budget consideration, however, remains unfunded.

“The city is reviewing external funding options that may be available to deliver this project.”