OPEN ROADS: Surf Coast campaign targets transport needs

SURF Coast Energy Group (SCEG) has called for all levels of government to collaborate on integrated transport planning to address needs of the region’s growing population.

The organisation says the Surf Coast is presently too car-dependent and could benefit environmentally, economically and socially from improved public and active transport links.

SCEG’s urban environment sub-committee has been monitoring recent planning developments from local and state governments and advocacy bodies.

Sub-committee member Mat Hines said this month that the group was ramping up its advocacy for adequate investment in transport upgrades that minimise the need for cars.

“SCEG would like the Surf Coast to be known as a place in which you can live, commute to and from, visit and explore without needing to rely on your car.

“A place where walking and riding bikes and e-bikes is safe and encouraged for local trips, such as to school, to the shops and to work.”

SCEG said it welcomed the recent release of G21 Geelong Regional Alliance’s Integrated Transport Strategy, which demanded major changes to the area’s transport strategy in coming years.

SCEG said it has also worked with Surf Coast Shire Council on plans such as its Safer Cycling Strategy, which it said is well-intentioned but requires urgent implementation and external funding support.

Public transport is also a focus area for the energy group, which says Torquay and the Surf Coast lacks frequent, reliable services to get visitors and residents to Geelong and elsewhere in the state via rail links.

The state government is finalising an Armstrong Creek and Torquay Bus Network Reform, a draft of which includes a welcomes direct service from Torquay to central Geelong.

But Mr Hines said that draft missed an opportunity for a direct link to the employment and shopping precinct at Waurn Ponds, and an increase in services during holiday periods when demand is highest.

“[The Surf Coast should be] a place where the public transport network connects our townships to each other and to Geelong and Melbourne via fast, frequent and reliable services.

“Where an expanded network of bus routes takes you where you need to go, with extended operating hours to support our nighttime economy and shift workers.

“And where additional routes are provided on weekends and in holiday times, so that tourists and day-trippers can leave their car at home and explore our coastline, bushland and hinterland by bus, by bike and on foot.”

The Armstrong Creek-Torquay bus strategy accepted its final round of community feedback earlier this year. It is due to unveil its final bus routes ahead of implementation in 2024.