Off Track: Councils Transport Plan Flies Off The Rails
Background
In 2018 Glen Eira City Council published its first Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS), following community consultation in 2016 and 2017. Whilst not perfect, the 2018 strategy included some ambitious targets. This included a 50:50 mode share split by 2031, as well as now indefinitely deferred projects, such as safe bike lanes on Inkerman Road.
The strategy also sets out which roads should prioritise cars, public transport, and bicycle users, acting as a framework for Council to base their decisions. As part of a 5-year review of the strategy, Council has published a draft update to the strategy.
We’ve conducted a thorough review of the Draft ITS, as well as the transport strategies of Yarra, Monash, and Casey Councils. Not only does the draft strategy fall short of our existing ITS, but also lacks the depth and ambition evident in other councils' approaches.
Council Puts Plans In Reverse
The draft strategy appears to be influenced by recent difficulties surrounding city improvement initiatives, like those on Inkerman Road and Queens Avenue.
We urge Glen Eira City Council to take an evidence-based approach, balancing community sentiment with empirical data.
City of Yarra’s Integrated Transport Strategy
Yarra clearly articulates the conflicting interests our communities have.
While the draft strategy outlines a vision focused on children's safety, an undoubtedly critical aspect of transportation, it falls short of encapsulating our broader aspirations for a city where everyone feels safe and empowered to travel, regardless of age, gender, or ability.
Further, the revision of the 50:50 mode share target without a defined timeline is concerning, as it represents a step back from our previously ambitious goals. A goal the Councillors and Officers had previously used to spruik how progressive Glen Eira’s ITS was.
The draft strategy prioritises the current role of cars over anticipating future transportation needs, a shift from the original document. This short-sighted approach ignores climate change and cost-of-living crises, leaving the most vulnerable in our community to suffer.
Additionally, language suggesting that safe travel options in school zones shouldn't impact ‘amenity’ is concerning. Prioritising amenity over the safety of children contradicts the vision for child-friendly neighbourhoods. Do we really value amenity over the safety of our children?
The removal of any mention of separated bike lanes, is just another blow to those in the community who face transport inequity.
What’s Next?
In summary, the Draft ITS is a missed opportunity to lead our city towards a more sustainable and equitable future. However, it's not too late for us to advocate for change. Councillors will vote on the Draft ITS in June 2024.
We urge you to share your feedback and emphasise the importance of a forward-thinking, evidence-based transportation strategy. Together, we can ensure that Glen Eira's transportation strategy aligns with our collective vision for a vibrant and sustainable community.
