Council seeks local views on improving walkability in Southbank

A City of Melbourne survey into road safety and walkability in Southbank has already seen many respondents share their views, with phase one consultation remaining open until April 10.

The council is undertaking the “Southbank Pedestrian and Road Safety Study” to improve connectivity, access, amenity, and safety in Southbank, with traffic engineers reviewing traffic and crash data in conjunction with major developments, strategies and masterplans.

As part of the study, the council is seeking local insights into current problem areas for road safety and pedestrianism, with a view to identifying improvements throughout Southbank to be included in a draft design plan to be released at a later date.

Phase one consultation opened on March 14 via the council’s online Participate Southbank portal and will close on April 10. A second phase of consultation is expected to open mid-year.

Nearly 800 contributions had already been made to the online map at the time Southbank News published its April edition, with the mapping tool allowing locals to drop a pin on an area of concern and make a comment.

Few areas in Southbank and South Wharf hadn’t been highlighted with an orange marker, with safety issues stemming from St Kilda Rd, throughout Southbank Village and surrounding City Rd and Kavanagh St.

Many respondents used the opportunity to urge the council and the state government to get on with completing the vision set out in the City Rd Masterplan, which was finalised in 2016.

To have your say by April 10, visit Participate Melbourne. •