Dear all,
The outcomes of the Swanston St redevelopment consultation process are
attached in a report to the Melbourne City Council.
Very good news from BUG's perspective - of the thousands of submissions and
responses received, there is clear consensus that Option 6 is the preferred
option of those presented. This is the option that BUG supported, and
includes:
- Removing motor vehicles from Swanston St
- Dedicating a lane to bicycles
- Widening footpaths
The consultation results also highlight the following points of consensus
around the objectives for redevelopment:
- Improved access for tram users, cyclists and pedestrians;
- No increased and/or reduced motor vehicle access with provision for
service and delivery;
- Safety for priority users of the street.; and
- Improved environmental outcomes achieved by the design
Which all sounds good! The Report recommended that a Steering Committee be
established to investigate the implementation of Option 6, reporting to the
October Connected City Committee meeting.
In our submission, Moreland BUG emphasised the need for measures to reduce
conflicts between cyslists and pedestrians, and cyclists and people getting
on and off trams. We will continue talking to Melbourne BUG and the City of
Melbourne throughout the next steps of the process to ensure a good outcome
for cyclists.
I thought this line from the report summed things up well:
"In summary, it could be concluded that the participating community is
asking for Swanston Street to be redeveloped into a city spine that provides
sustainable transport, reduces accidents and is better for the environment.
A big pat on the back to all of those who filled out forms and made
submissions to the consultation process.
Cheers, Anna