Why we need a new transport strategy
A number of factors have prompted the need for us to write a new strategy to best meet community expectations.
The Moreland Integrated Transport Strategy 2019 (MITS 2019) was ambitious in its objectives of reducing car use to decrease transport emissions, traffic congestion, and parking constraints. To achieve these objectives, significant changes to the way we plan for, and manage, car parking were proposed. Despite best intentions, this approach ultimately pitted different transport users against each other.
The vision for this new transport strategy is one that gives community members greater choice in how they move around Merri-bek. We will ensure the strategy addresses the needs of all transport users and takes a people-centred approach, aligning with Council’s Promise and Community Vision.
There have been many changes, both globally and locally, since our previous transport strategy in 2019.
These changes include amendments to Council policy, a heightened focus on the climate emergency, and of course, the significant and lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This new strategy will be focussed on best meeting the needs and expectations for our community, while addressing the impacts of these changes. The strategy will also embrace new developments and opportunities in transport technology - such as e-bikes, e-scooters and electric vehicles – laying the foundation for a people-centred transport system that provides more choice for more people.
Despite the challenges of the last few years, and the elements of MITS 2019 that were set aside, we’ve been able to make significant headway in completing the actions we set out to achieve in the previous transport strategy.
Of the 18 actions listed in the implementation plan of MITS 2019, we have completed 10 of the actions. We are well underway with completing another 3 actions. The time is ripe for us to update the transport strategy to make sure our actions meet communities’ needs and are fit-for-purpose to deliver an improved transport system for everyone in Merri-bek.
Beyond the actions within MITS 2019, we have continued progressing transport projects and programs. This includes our popular Ride n Stride and Open Streets program, delivering walking and cycling infrastructure from our 10 year capital works program, increasing our active transport budget to $10 per capita, and delivering innovative projects such as the shared zone treatments in Brunswick East.
Social Research
Prior to the first round of engagement, we commissioned third-party social research on usage, behaviours, and attitudes towards transport in Merri-bek.
This social research helped us in the development of the Discussion Paper, and our Draft Strategy.
Discussion Paper
To begin the process of building the new strategy, we wrote a Discussion Paper based on what we already knew through research, experience, established policy, and the many diverse voices of the community.
The paper is a picture of how we get around Merri-bek and the many different aspects of daily life which relate to transport.
In developing the Paper identified 6 core themes that will guide the new strategy and engaged on the themes and the paper in phase 1 of our consultation.
Read about each theme, by clicking on the boxes below.
