Malop St back under State rule after Geelong council’s Green Spine controversy
The state government has officially taken control of Malop Street for five years after Geelong council decided to allocate $2m to rip up part of its award-winning street works. This is what it means for the location.
Geelong
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The state government has officially taken control of Malop Street for five years after Geelong council decided to allocate $2m to rip up part of its award-winning street works.
In February, the council decided to reintroduce turning lanes, increase parking spaces and demolish one of two separated bike lanes that are part of the $8m joint council-government Green Spine project because councillors claimed it had caused traffic congestion and disability access problems.
But ripping up Malop Street never eventuated after the government intervened.
The takeover of the project would not cost jobs in the Revitalising Central Geelong team, the council said.
The next stage of the project, between Gheringhap and Moorabool streets, is due to ramp up early next year and will include a landscaped triangle park.
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville hit out at the council’s decision.
“This project was implemented after extensive community consultation and support, including from the council,” she said.
“The Victorian government funded the project and the decision by council to rip it up was appalling.
“We said we wouldn’t let it happen and this ensures that the Green Spine continues.”
Earlier this year, Ms Neville said the whole Green Spine would become a state government project “delivered by us”.
The project is part of the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan.
Geelong council economy, investment and attraction acting director Brett Ince said the council was “committed to working in partnership with the Victorian government to deliver all of the projects listed in the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan”.
“There will be no changes to staff numbers in the partnership,” he said.
Mr Ince said the council contributed $2.64m to the Green Spine project between Yarra and Moorabool streets, and a further $3m for the planned section between Yarra Street and Bellerine streets.
Three state government departments will be involved in delivering the project.
“We’re now getting on with preparing for the next stages of this major project in line with the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan and as part of the Geelong City Deal,” Roads Minister Ben Carroll said.
Originally published as Malop St back under State rule after Geelong council’s Green Spine controversy