‘No firm commitments’ on Moorabool St bus move as state government says it continues to investigate options

The State Government and City Hall continue to explore options to address one of the most contentious issues facing Geelong, with any decision likely a long way off. HAVE YOUR SAY.

There is a push to move the Moorabool St bus exchange to the middle of the street. Picture: Alan Barber.

The future of the Moorabool St bus exchange remains unclear as the Public Transport Users Association reinforces the case for it to be moved to the middle of the street.

During her visit to Geelong last week, Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams was asked how the review of its location was progressing.

That work, in conjunction with the City of Greater Geelong (COGG), was a key “short-term” action of the state government’s Central Geelong Framework Plan, released more than a year ago.

The exchange has long been viewed as a hotbed of anti-social activity, requiring regular patrols by authorities that paint an undesirable picture of the CBD.

Shopfronts directly behind the eastern side of the exchange are mostly empty.

“I understand in relation to the Moorabool St bus stop issue that that’s been quite a contentious local issue here in Geelong, with a large array of views about what the appropriate solution is to those challenges,” Ms Williams said.

Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams with Geelong MP Christine Couzens. Picture: Alison Wynd.

“We’ve got no firm commitments made at this point about the appropriate solution, but I know that work has been led by Christine (Couzens).

“(It) is well underway and there’s lots of different views to harness and canvas … before we can step forward with what an appropriate solution might look like.”

A draft COGG masterplan for the area, endorsed by council in November, recommended the exchange be moved to the centre of the street, which would prohibit other vehicles entering that section.

The top issues identified as part of the masterplan’s preparation were “perceptions of lack of safety, including anti-social behaviour or needing police presence” and “concerns around (Moorabool St) bus stop”.

The final decision lays with the government, which has spent several years looking at alternatives.

Some senior City Hall sources said the state government issue have placed the decision in the “too hard basket”.

A concept drawing of a revamped Moorabool St bus exchange. Source: MGS Architects.

Jarred Crowe, convener of the Public Transport Users Association’s Geelong branch, said the organisation supported the exchange remaining in Moorabool St.

“However, the current configuration is suboptimal and presents numerous challenges for public transport users,” he said.

“The poor design has led to a cramped space that is difficult to navigate for mobility-impaired users, particularly due to the roots of the palm trees.”

Mr Crowe wants the government to enact the masterplan’s recommendation.

“This type of bus stop design has been widely adopted across Australia,” he said.

“We support moving forward with this type of design, although we expect a high level of passenger amenity to be provided with any design.

“This includes end-to-end shelters, ample seating, full mobility access, passenger information displays, automated information buttons, water fountains, and rubbish bins.”

Ms Couzens, state Geelong MP since 2014, said she was working closely with COGG.

“It is also important that bus users continue to be consulted and have their say about what works for them,” she said.

A month out from the 2022 state election, the Matt Guy-led Liberal Party committed to relocating the exchange.

“The Andrews Labor government has sat on its hands for too long when it comes to this important local project, and is still keeping its plans under lock and key despite outcry from locals,” he said at the time.

COGG’s executive director of placemaking Tennille Bradley said all stakeholders continued to work collaboratively.

Originally published as ‘No firm commitments’ on Moorabool St bus move as state government says it continues to investigate options