Council Minutes - Section C: Notice of Motion - 25 February 2020

Contents | Previous Page: Section B - Reports | Next Page: Section D - Assembly of Council

Notices of Motion tabled at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 25 February 2020 which was held at the Council Conference and Reception Centre in City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong.


Notice of motion - Councillor Asher

Geelong and Wyndham Rail options

Wyndham City and the City of Geelong are seriously concerned about reports that the Victorian Government is considering a version of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) which would put trains onto already congested tracks between the CBD and Sunshine, rather than previously the stated option to build a tunnel for the MARL to add significant rail capacity between Sunshine and the CBD.

There is an urgent need for additional capacity on the rail network now to enable more frequent and less crowded rail services for commuters in Wyndham and Geelong. This will greatly improve livability in our cities, with better connectivity enabling greater shared employment, economic and educational opportunities.

The Victorian Government made commitments in the 2019-20 Victorian Budget to get on with the Western Rail Plan (WRP) and proceed with work towards the separation of the Regional Rail Link line from suburban lines through the electrification of lines to Wyndham Vale and Melton.  This work, an urgent priority for Wyndham and Geelong, will require capacity for additional train tracks to access Melbourne’s CBD.  This key improvement would also benefit users of VLine services, helping to meet demand and reduce overcrowding.

In considering options for the MARL, Wyndham and Geelong consider it is important that the Victorian Government address the impacts of population growth in the west and beyond, and seize the opportunity for economic growth in the outer western suburbs and Geelong. The decision on the design of the MARL will have long lasting impacts for both Wyndham and Geelong for improved rail services and the livability of our regions.

The investment into rail should ensure a generational shift in the operation of the rail network and enable high-capacity metro services in Melbourne’s west and fast rail to regional cities.

The benefit of a trip to the airport by rail should not be gained at the expense of the urgent need for additional rail services for workers, students and families in the west and regional cities, many of whom have no practical alternatives for travel.

Councillor Asher moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded -

The Council:

  1. Note that Geelong and Wyndham are facing both current and future growth demands, and that Regional Rail Link trains are already at full capacity and our residents cannot afford any delays to additional capacity on the Wyndham-Geelong corridor;

  2. In response, support advocacy that focusses equally on short-term and long-term infrastructure delivery including:

    1. The Mayors’ of the City of Greater Geelong and the City of Wyndham jointly write to all local state and federal MPs calling on them to properly consider and address current and future demand for rail services in the outer western suburbs and regional cities, including enabling future delivery of fast rail for regional Victoria and the delivery of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, and requesting a clear timetable outlining funding of infrastructure and service volumes to be achieved;

    2. The delivery of four connected projects of the Western Rail Plan to meet unprecedented demand and enable regional Victoria to grow and be a destination of choice; namely:

      1. Two new electrified metropolitan rail lines through the western suburbs to growth areas in Melton and Wyndham Vale separating them for the Geelong and Ballarat lines;

      2. Increased track capacity between Sunshine and the CBD to cater for faster and more frequent metro and regional trains;

      3. Major investment in the Geelong and Ballarat lines including the exploration of electrification of these lines and new fast electric regional trains; and

      4. Connection of the Wyndham Vale and Werribee lines to provide increased transport choice, network resilience and capacity.

  3. Request the City of Greater Geelong Mayor to urgently write to all local Federal MPs to request the fast track of planning and bringing forward of the $700m funding into earlier federal budgets for the duplication of the rail line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds;

  4. Request the City of Greater Geelong Mayor continue to represent the City and its views on required Rail Infrastructure for Geelong through its membership of the Victorian Government’s Geelong Fast Rail Reference Group;

  5. Further call on the Victorian Government to invest in new and existing station upgrades on the Geelong and Wyndham lines that improve access to rail services, capacity, platforms, parking, lighting and passenger safety and amenity;

  6. Note that the Victorian and Federal Governments are considering a range of infrastructure options for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, the choice of which will have significant impact on rail transport capacity between Wyndham, Geelong and the Melbourne CBD;

  7. Implore both the Victorian and Federal Governments to ensure that the design of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link will deliver high capacity regional rail functionality and capacity for as many destinations as possible, in line with their previous statements; and

  8. Further call on the Victorian Government to adopt a coordinated approach across the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, the Western Rail Plan, and the Suburban Rail Loop which maximizes outcomes across the three projects rather than sacrificing the benefits of one project for the achievement of another.

Councillor Aitken left the meeting room at 9:55pm.

Councillor Aitken re-entered the meeting room at 9:57pm.

Carried.


Time limit

As per Council Meeting Procedures Local Law 2017 (3.31.2) a meeting may not continue after 10:00pm unless a majority of members present vote in favour of its continuance.

Councillor Asher moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded –

That the meeting continue to proceed as per Council Meeting Procedures Local Law 2017 (3.31.2).

Carried.


Notice of motion - CouncillorKontelj

Malop Street - Traffic Flow & Pedestrian Safety

  1. With construction commencing in 2017, the Green Spine was intended to create a high amenity environment designed to improve opportunities for business, activate Malop Street and encourage new investment.

  2. The project was to deliver more trees and green spaces to the heart of the City, with the intent to transform it into an attractive and inviting place.

  3. The extensive redevelopment in Malop Street between Moorabool and Yarra Streets, includes an eight metre-wide botanic walk on the south side of the street, complemented by more trees and plantings on the north side.

  4. In addition to this, separated bike lanes have been installed on each side of Malop Street, resulting in the removal of vehicle turning lanes and a reduction of on-street parking. 

  5. The design of the Green Spine included the removal of turning lanes on the east approach to the intersection of Moorabool/Malop Streets and the west approach to the intersection of Yarra/Malop Streets.

  6. It is acknowledged that the ‘Botanic Walk’, with a continuous canopy of trees and a series of different alfresco, seating and gathering spaces along the length of Malop Street, linked by a network of paths, is appealing. As is the generous parkland on the south side of the street, creating more places for people to relax, meet friends, shop, eat, walk and play. Complementing this on the north side of the street are the wide footpaths, trees and plantings.

  7. Notwithstanding this, what has become very apparent since the changes, is the significant congestion and slowing of vehicle traffic with increased travel times through Malop Street, increased queuing by vehicles, and blocking of intersections and pedestrian crossings by vehicles when compared to pre-April 2016 (before the Green Spine).

  8. The traffic issues and congestion has frustrated and angered a portion of the community and retailers in Malop Street alike whilst also raising safety concerns for pedestrians and the disabled.


Recommendation

That Council:

  1. Acknowledges the instrumental value and amenity of the ‘Botanic Walk’ with its desirable continuous canopy of trees, plantings and series of different alfresco, seating and gathering spaces along the length of Malop Street, linked by a network of paths, generous parkland and wide footpaths;

  2. Address the negative traffic (vehicle and people) related issues as noted above and allocate the required budget (in 2020/2021 and any subsequent years) to complete works to Malop Street between Moorabool Street and Yarra Street, which will improve and efficiently service an increase in traffic flow by:

    1. reviewing the current design of Green Spine to include project design principles to address current disability access and egress concerns such as no disability access from the roadway (i.e. where raised bike lane kerb and channel does not allow access for wheelchair or restricted mobility access or egress to Green Spine pathways from the Malop Street roadway);

    2. advocating and working with VicRoads to improve the scheduling, timing and synchronising of traffic lights at intersections and pedestrian crossings;

    3. removing the separated bike lane from the north side of Malop Street;

    4. installing vehicle turning lanes at the intersections of Malop Street and Yarra Street and Malop Street and Moorabool Street;

    5. increasing on street 2P car parking locations on Malop Street between Moorabool Street and Yarra Street, without compromising taxi services;

    6. ensuring works commence no later than the 2020/2021 financial year;

    7. ensuring all works are conducted in a manner and at times which mitigate disruption to businesses, retailers and the community;

    8. ensure any changes do not impact on, or take away from the landscape and parkland on the south side of the street;

    9. adopting design principles that do not restrict potential future availability for Malop Street to operate as a public transport route (i.e. for buses and/or trackless trams);

    10. encouraging designers of the Green Spine to incorporate and pay tribute to the Aboriginal and First Nation people of this land in the design and construction of Block 1; and

    11. ensuring Block 1 of the Green Spine, between Gheringhap Street and Moorabool Street, does not include a separated bike lane on the north side.

  3. Request the Chief Executive Officer to stop all work in response to the Council resolution made on 10 December 2019, paragraph 11.3 of Agenda Item 4 - Malop Street Green Spine – Traffic Flow – Interim Report.


Amendment

Councillor Mason moved, Councillor Murrihy seconded –

That Council:

  1. Acknowledges the instrumental value and amenity of the ‘Botanic Walk’ with its desirable continuous canopy of trees, plantings and series of different alfresco, seating and gathering spaces along the length of Malop Street, linked by a network of paths, generous parkland and wide footpaths;

  2. Review the current design of Green Spine to include project design principles to address current disability access and egress concerns such as no disability access from the roadway (i.e. where raised bike lane kerb and channel does not allow access for wheelchair or restricted mobility access or egress to Green Spine pathways from the Malop Street roadway);

  3. Advocate and work with Regional Roads Victoria to improve the scheduling, timing and synchronising of traffic lights at intersections and pedestrian crossings;

  4. Apply design principles that do not restrict potential future availability for Malop Street to operate as an east-west shuttle service (such as autonomous vehicles and appropriately sized buses and/or trackless trams);

  5. Encourage designers of the Green Spine to incorporate and pay tribute to the Aboriginal and First Nation people of this land in the design and construction of Block 1; and

  6. Request the Chief Executive Officer to stop all work in response to the Council resolution made on 10 December 2019, paragraph 11.3 of Agenda Item 4 - Malop Street Green Spine – Traffic Flow – Interim Report.

The amendment was put and lost.

Lost.


Division requested

For: Councillors Murrihy, Harwood, Murnane, Mason, Mansfield

Against: Councillors Nelson, Sullivan, Grzybek, Asher, Kontelj, Aitken


The motion was then put and carried.

Carried.


Division requested

For: Aitken, Kontelj, Asher, Grzybek, Sullivan, Nelson

Against: Councillors Murrihy, Harwood, Mason, Murnane, Mansfield


Contents | Previous Page: Section B - Reports | Next Page: Section D - Assembly of Council


City of Greater Geelong