Public transport the key issue for community according to feedback

Geelong locals have revealed their big ideas as part of the community engagement for the first phase of the City of Greater Geelong’s Integrated Transport Strategy.

Geelong residents want better public transport

Geelong residents are calling for faster and more frequent public transport as council looks to hand down its plan for the region’s future.

Community engagement for the first phase of the City of Greater Geelong’s Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) closed in June.

According to council, the ITS will set the vision and directions for transport decision-making in the medium to long term, with feedback to inform the final strategy.

Respondents were asked about issues and opportunities for all modes of movement in our region including walking, riding a bicycle, using public transport, catching the ferry, driving and freight movements.

More than 1000 responses were received across a number of platforms, with one of the key themes being around the want for improved public transport.

Over 1000 Geelong residents had their say during the first phase of community engagement. Picture: Alan Barber

More frequent, direct, and reliable bus service, bus shelter improvements, better Bellarine Peninsula bus connectivity and ferry services were all identified by council as key themes.

Other issues deemed important by residents were improved bicycle infrastructure safety and connectivity, more secure bicycle parking, and safe and connected walking infrastructure that is accessible to all among others.

City of Greater Geelong executive director of placemaking, Tennille Bradley, said council had heard “loud and clear that our transport system is an important issue for the community.”

“The feedback we’ve received has provided valuable insights into safety, accessibility, reliability and sustainability,” Ms Bradley said.

A number of big ideas were provided via an ITS “vision board.”

Some of these responses outlined the want for light rail for the CBD, another asked council to link the Bellarine Rail Trail with the Coastal Trail in order to attract walkers and cycling, while 5km limits for Geelong’s laneways was also floated.

Rail was one of the issues dished up frequently on the board, with one person asking “why not reinstate the (Bellarine) railway line?”

“Will ease growing traffic flow into Geelong, lessen demand on parking and provide a great way for tourists to explore the region,” he said.

Protecting bike lanes and pedestrians were two issues that appeared to be heavily suggested in the forum.

The previously suggested Avalon Airport train was also brought up.

The feedback provided some insight into how the people of Geelong get around.

The most common way to get to the shops is by car, 36 per cent of people said they would use a bicycle more frequently if they were more accessible to use, 30 per cent said the same about catching the train, while 33 per cent of parents said they’d like their kids to get to school, childcare or kinder on a bike.

Council said it would work to create the most appropriate strategic responses to each of the key themes identified, including those that relate to state government infrastructure such as public transport.

The full engagement report can be found on yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ITS

Originally published as Public transport the key issue for community according to feedback