Push for safer Cox-Anakie Road roundabout hits roadblock

THE City of Greater Geelong has referred a local petition calling for road speed modifications at Corio’s Cox Road and Anakie Road roundabout to the responsibility authority, while the wait for a new child-friendly playground continues.

The petition, which had about 200 signatures, was presented to the council during its January meeting by Cr Anthony Aitken, who requested the chief executive prepare a report on its contents.

The petition included the call for road speed changes in Corio, as well as a walking track between Bacchus March Road and Coakley Crescent in Lovely Banks, and a more child-friendly playground between Cox Road and Purnell Road, and the Ring Road and Princess Road.

Speaking at the council’s April meeting last week, Cr Aitken said the CEO’s report had confirmed Cox Road and Anakie Road, as arterial roads, are the responsibility of Transport Victoria, in what would likely be a disappointing outcome for the community.

“That particular community will be exhausted from this response,” Cr Aitken said.

“What they were probably looking for was some reflection from the council report that acknowledged there was merits about the safety concerns that they raised in their petition.

“It is quite a treacherous part of Geelong in terms of road movements, and it does lack a child-friendly playground in that area as well.”

He appeared to criticise the position taken by the council on the issue, stating the “council is not prepared to take any advocacy work or responsibility to follow up for you”.

Instead, the report encourages residents concerned about pedestrian safety measures on these state-managed roads to contact Transport Victoria on 133 778, and notes the petition has been shared with the government body for consideration.

The need for more a child-friendly playground in the area was, however, acknowledged in the report, as was the city’s uncertainty about where the community was seeking a walking track.

For those eager to see a new child-friendly playground delivered for the Corio community, Cr Aitken said the council was planning a review of its park network, including opportunities to upgrade playgrounds, as it works to develop an open space strategy for the municipality.

As part of this review, locals will be given the opportunity to participate in a community consultation process, which is expected to begin before the middle of the year.

Cr Eddy Kontelj committed to working with council officers and Cr Aitken, in his capacity as the city’s sports and recreation portfolio holder, to identify initiatives for future consideration that may address the Corio community’s ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety and connectivity in the area.