Following extensive consultation earlier this year, Council adopted the Golden Plains Transport Connections Study at its November meeting.
The Golden Plains Transport Connections Study (the Study) identifies current and future transport needs and outlines practical steps that Council and the State Government can pursue to improve this situation over time.
The Study will inform the future design of Council’s community transport services to ensure that new services increase connectivity, accessibility and liveability across Golden Plains. The study also provides evidence-based data to support Council as it advocates for greater transport connections in the Shire.
In consultation with the community and key stakeholders, the Study examined gaps and opportunities within the existing public and transport community services.
The Study identified high car dependency and poor connectivity across the shire with narrow public transport running times, poor service awareness, a lack of accessibility for vulnerable users and costly alternatives to private vehicle usage.
Opportunities highlighted in the Study include the improvement of the existing public transport network; provision of complementary services in partnership with other organisations; improved communications and ticketing and moderate infrastructure and accessibility enhancements.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said Council was pleased to adopt the Golden Plains Shire Transport Connections Study.
“Public and community transport is vital to the wellbeing of communities and individuals in Golden Plains. Improved connectivity across the Shire is vital to support the growing population, and high proportion of younger community members.
“The Golden Plains Transport Connections Study outlines practical steps that Council and the State Government can pursue to improve transport services over time and is a positive step towards improved public and community transport.
“The Study will not only assist Council in future planning and decision-making but also support Council in advocating for greater transport connections across Golden Plains.
“Community feedback has been integral in the development of the Golden Plains Transport Connections Study, and I thank residents for taking the time to share their thoughts on transport in the Shire.”
Council received $41,420 from the Department of Transport for the Transport Connections Study, with Council contributing $10,000 and $31,574 in-kind to deliver the study in response to the need for improved transport in the Shire as identified by the community, Council and State Government.
The adopted Golden Plains Transport Connections Study is available on Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au, or a print copy may be requested at Council’s Customer Hub’s, 2 Pope Street Bannockburn and The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.