Traders hail bollards decision

THE automated bollards on Little Malop Street installed in 2023 will become a permanent fixture, with the City of Greater Geelong council voting to leave them in place to support the area’s pedestrian-friendly laneway culture.

This will allow for more outdoor dining and pop-up events between Moorabool Street and Shorts Place, such as the recent Tastes of Winter Festival and ROAM events.

Under the continued conditions, access beyond the retractable bollards between 10am and 4am will be restricted to essential vehicles only, including emergency services and authorised traders.

The decision follows extensive business and community engagement and is supported by the Department of Transport.

The precinct was also monitored from July 2024 to July 2025, which included the successful Summer in the Laneway outdoor dining trial from December to March.

Data showed increased pedestrian activity and decreased vehicle numbers, while logs between August 2024 and April 2025 found 85 per cent of vehicle entries could be reduced.

The City will now work collaboratively with stakeholders to minimise all unnecessary vehicle entries and further understand trader access requirements.

Traders in Little Malop Street have welcomed the bollards staying in place.

Astray Bar owner Chris King said the decision supported the experience on the ground.

“By reducing cars, we’ve created a more relaxed, lively atmosphere for alfresco dining,” he said.

“It’s important that people feel they’re enjoying the laneway experience, and not dining on the roadside.”

Brian Anderson of Bahjong is looking forward to a bumper festive season solidified by safety measures.

“There is a peace of mind when dining outdoors, people feel safe and overall the experience is better,” he said.

“There’s a new energy on the street, more families, more excitement.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said locking in the arrangement gave traders, event organisers and patrons the green light to grow and enjoy the precinct.

“The bollards are doing exactly what the community hoped, by making it easier and safer to walk, dine and gather in the heart of the city,” Cr Kontelj said.

“Laneway dining is now part of Little Malop Street’s DNA.

“This decision means it can continue being that place you wander into and instantly feel you’ve arrived somewhere safe, lively and full of character.”