Permanent closure proposal

We are proposing the permanent closure 5 laneways in Oak Park. The laneways are all in a small area of the suburb between John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve and Oak Park Aquatic Centre. Their locations are between:

  • John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve and Sylvester Street
  • Sylvester Street and John Street
  • John Street and Gregory Street
  • Gregory Street and Ethel Street
  • Ethel Street and Margaret Street

Existing bollards have been in place for 12 years

The laneways are already blocked off to traffic by bollards like the one in the photo at the top of this page.

These existing bollards have been in place since 2010 but the laneways have not been formally closed in line with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989. This means we cannot legally prohibit vehicle access within the laneways.

We want to formally and permanently close the laneways to keep the area as a pedestrian and cycle only route.

No physical works will be needed to do this because the bollards are already in place.

The laneway between John Gregory Streets

Between John and Gregory Streets ,the section of laneway next to 2/8 – 6/8 John Street, Oak Park will remain open. This is because the laneway is the only way adjacent properties can be accessed.

The southern section of the laneway (next to 5A and 5B Gregory Street) has a pair of bollards installed that currently prevent vehicle access. These bollards will be maintained, and this section of the laneway will be formally closed as part of the proposal.

What's been done so far

Your feedback will help Council make the decision on whether they will adopt, modify or cancel the proposed changes in October 2022.

The community were invited to share their feedback on this project throughout August and September 2022.

Submissions closed at 5pm Monday 12 September 2022 and were heard on Tuesday 13 September 2022 at a formal Hearing of Submissions.

Share your feedback

Please send your feedback in writing using the form below or by email. If you need assistance making a submission please contact customer service on 9240 1111.

Email seng@merri-bek.vic.gov.au