Jennifer Pittorino
Bunbury Street in Footscray will be transformed with a reduced 30 kilometre an hour speed limit and shared spaces for cyclists and motorists.
Council backed the changes at its city development meeting, which came from a Bunbury Street Streetscape design consultation process in December 2022 and April 2023.
The results showed that residents preferred a ’shared space’ option to improve the streetscape.
Councillor Simon Crawford said residents are passionate about Bunbury Street and encouraging cycling in the area.
“I’d like to see bike paths wherever we can build them. We’ve done the consultation and the feedback has come back that the separated bike paths were not the preferred option,“ he said.
“So we have compromised with the 30 kilometres an hour considering there are a lot of pedestrians in the area.”
Councillor Anthony Tran agreed that separate bike paths and lanes would have been nice but this is the better option.
“It’s not a compromise, but a rather a better of the two options that the residents have come back to us with,” he said.
Councillor Jorge Jorquera said community consultation is key to getting the best outcome for Bunbury Street and its residents.
“Continuing with the process as much as we have, with the amount of consultation is really important and we should continue with that approach.“
In their report to council, officers noted that the heritage rail tunnel underneath Bunbury Street has drainage issues and poor soil conditions that are contributing to poor tree health in the street.
Twelve heritage listed trees have already been removed and four others will require removal because of deteriorating health.
As part of the streetscape plan, new trees will be planted and landscaping undertaken with improved soil, kerb extensions at intersections as well as footpath and lighting improvements.
“We can debate whether the trees should be maintained better, the reality is we want to do something special with the street and keep it a special street,” said Cr Crawford.
Planning for the streetscape work will continue throughout 2023-24 with construction forecast to begin in 2024-25.
