Mildura council votes to make 30km/h CBD speed limit permanent despite public opposition

Most Mildura motorists don’t want a 30km/h speed limit in the CBD to stay. See how the local council voted on the controversial trial.

Signage alerting people of the Mildura CBD speed limit trial which is set to become permanent after a council vote. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

Mildura’s controversial 30km/h CBD trial is a step closer to becoming permanent despite a lack of community support.

Mildura Council on Thursday voted to keep the lower speed limit, which was introduced to improve pedestrian safety and reduce accidents in the heart of the city.

The council used traffic data, community sentiment and evidence-based road safety principles to determine whether the trial should become permanent.

The trial covers nine blocks in the area bordered by Deakin and Pine avenues and between Seventh and Tenth streets. The Deakin Ave and Seventh St speed limits were unchanged.

Mildura CBD 30km/h speed limit trial boundary which is slated to become permanent

Councillor Helen Healy backed keeping the speed limit, citing compelling data on pedestrian safety.

“What stood out for me is the data tells us that by reducing the speed limit by 10km/h we are almost doubling the chances of survival in the event of a pedestrian being hit by a car … that’s very compelling to me,” Ms Healy said.

Councillor Glen Milne argued that the community did not support the change, as detailed in a council report.

“31 per cent of people were for the trial to become permanent. That wouldn’t get you elected in a two-horse race,” Mr Milne said.

“69 per cent – which would get you elected by the way – are against the trial becoming permanent.”

However, Ms Healy said people with negative feedback were more likely to respond to surveys.

“We know from experience, and I have banged on about this for a long time, that sometimes the negative people have a bigger say in some of our engagement processes,” she said.

Councillor Glenn Milne was outspoken in his opposition to the 30km/h trial becoming permanent

Councillor Troy Bailey expressed concerns about the survey’s leading questions, questioning the ethical approach of the report.

The report, which was tabled at the meeting, found that local police had not noticed any chance since the trial began.

“As far as the Mildura Highway Patrol is concerned, there hasn’t really been any change. I’ve had little to no feedback from the community and I’m not aware of any incidents where we were required to attend,” Sergeant Mark McDonald said in the report.

A poll run on Mildura News Facebook page was split down the middle in the comments section, with followers both for and against the trial becoming permanent.

“Why even ask? MRCC do as they please, “ one local posted.

“It is a good idea. Most people drive slower as they are looking for a parking space,” another social media user said.

Mayor Liam Wood told Council that the new speed limit is part of a broader vision for Mildura. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio

Mayor Liam Wood said the speed limit change was part of a broader vision for Mildura.

The trial was about creating a liveable CBD with memorable walking promenades and beautiful streets, he said.

The council voted 6-2 for the trial to remain permanently with traffic data and road safety principles deemed to be too strong in the face of public sentiment.

The decision now has to be approved by the Department of Transport and Planning.