By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay council has approved a subdivision on the third stage of the Precinct 15 residential development in Altona North, despite a Hobsons Bay advocacy group calling for the council to amend the plans to allow for direct cycling access from the developement to Aloha Street in South Kingsville.
At its meeting on Tuesday, September 13, Hobsons Bay council passed a motion to accept a petition from Hobsons Bay advocacy group Better West calling for council to consider future bicycle access to Aloha Street.
On Thursday, September 15, council endorsed a subdivision including two east-west bike paths, including a primary path connecting to Brunel Street and a secondary path to Aloha Street via New Street, diverting around privately owned and fully operational busiensses on New Street.
The council has said that the Victorian Planning Authority’s original plan, which outlined direct bike access via Aloha Street was not possible due to an existing business on private land being on that route.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the approved plans would ensure there would be an easy journey for cyclists heading east towards the Spotswood train station.
“As Hobsons Bay continues to grow, we must be mindful of making it as easy as we can for our residents to get around the city, using sustainable and active transport,” he said.
Hobsons Bay councillor Jonathon Marsden said the new bike paths would make the new development a more attractive place for people to live.
“These new bike paths will be of real benefit to the residents that live in the area, as well as those travelling through our city,” he said.
Better West president Rosa McKenna said the group was “deeply sad” following the endorsement of the revised streetscape plans.
“This bike connection to Aloha Street was an essential part of the endorsed plan for Precinct 15 to reduce traffic in the area,” she said.
“To help people feel comfortable riding their bikes instead of driving, it is essential to have bike paths that are safe and direct.”
