swanston street, melbourne between la trobe street … · 1. future melbourne committee, agenda...

Council Report Attachment: 1. Future Melbourne Committee, Agenda Item 5.1, 13 July 2010

C O U N C I L R E P O R T Agenda Item 5.2 27 July 2010

SWANSTON STREET, MELBOURNE BETWEEN LA TROBE STREET AND LITTLE LONSDALE STREET PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE TO ALL VEHICLES (EXCLUDING TRAMS AND BICYCLES)

Committee Future Melbourne (Connected City)

Presenter Cr Louey

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to recommend Council approve the closure of Swanston Street between La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street to all vehicles (excluding trams and bicycles).

Consideration at Committee

2. Following consideration at Committee, the Future Melbourne Committee endorsed the recommendation below.

Recommendation

3. That Council:

3.1. approve the placing and maintaining of obstructions or barriers in Swanston Street at its intersection with La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street to restrict the passage or access of all vehicles excluding trams and bicycles on a permanent basis in accordance with reasons stated in the report from management;

3.2. engage all submitters to communicate this decision and the reasons for their decision and communicate to Council the results of the engagement; and

3.3. communicate with all emergency service providers and seek explicit approval for this proposal.

F U T U R E M E L B O U R N E ( C O N N E C T E D C I T Y P O R T F O L I O ) C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T

Agenda Item 5.1

SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE, BETWEEN LA TROBE STREET AND LITTLE LONSDALE STREET: PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE TO ALL VEHICLES (EXCLUDING TRAMS AND BICYCLES)

13 July 2010

Presenter: Gordon Duncan, Acting Manager Engineering Services

Purpose and background

1. To recommend the Council approve the closure of Swanston Street between La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street to all vehicles excluding trams and bicycles.

2. The Council resolved at its meeting on 27 October 2009 to endorse the Swanston Street Project Plan for the staged redevelopment of the street. On 23 February 2010 the Council also resolved to authorise the administration to commence procedures under the Local Government Act 1989 (“the Act”) in relation to the proposed closure of Swanston Street between La Trobe and Little Lonsdale streets.

3. In accordance with the Act the proposed closure was advertised in The Age newspaper on Wednesday 7 April 2010. The Submissions (Section 223) Committee (“Submissions Committee”) met on 1 June 2010 to consider the 10 submissions received and to hear those wishing to be heard in support of their submissions.

Key issues

4. Several submissions supported the closure. Copies of the submissions received are attached. Objections were predominantly about adverse impacts the closure may have on the servicing requirements of abutting properties. JR Duty Free’s objection said the Swanston Street redevelopment consultation process was flawed and that Stage 2 plans to close Swanston Street between Little Bourke and Bourke Streets would harm their business. The recommendation from management in this report reflects the recommendation to Council from the Submissions Committee and notes that the Stage 2 design process will consider the needs of businesses in this area. Summaries of the 10 submissions are in Attachment 2 along with responses from the administration to the points raised.

Recommendation from management

5. That the Future Melbourne Committee recommend that Council:

5.1. approve the placing and maintaining of obstructions or barriers in Swanston Street at its intersection with La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street to restrict the passage or access of all vehicles excluding trams and bicycles on a permanent basis for the following reasons:

5.1.1. the City of Melbourne supports the use of sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and is committed to the expansion of on-road and off-road bicycle facilities;

5.1.2. the City of Melbourne supports improved access to public transport;

5.1.3. the affected section of Swanston Street currently experiences light traffic volumes (approximately 2500 vehicles per day) and therefore there will be minimal impact to the general community if the street is closed;

5.1.4. the current number of vehicles servicing Swanston Street between Lonsdale and La Trobe Streets is very low and the closure will likely add only 200 service vehicles per day to Little Lonsdale Street (Little Lonsdale Street currently carries approximately 2500 vehicles per day);

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Attachments: 1. Supporting Attachment 2. Summary of Submissions 3. Submissions Received

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5.1.5. the servicing of properties abutting Swanston Street between La Trobe St and Little Lonsdale St can be achieved through the use of alternative facilities along the east–west streets (in this case Little Lonsdale Street); and

5.1.6. a review of all parking restrictions in La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street is planned to be undertaken to maintain opportunities for delivery vehicles and residents transporting their own goods; and

5.2. note that a review of the design of the proposed tram stop location at the intersection of Swanston and Bourke Streets has commenced and will consider the impact to businesses in that area; and

5.3. notify all submitters in writing of its decision and the reasons for its decision.

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Attachment 1 Agenda Item 5.1

Future Melbourne Committee 13 July 2010

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SUPPORTING ATTACHMENT

SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE, BETWEEN LA TROBE STREET AND LITTLE LONSDALE STREET: PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE TO ALL VEHICLES (EXCLUDING TRAMS AND BICYCLES)

Legal

The proposal to place obstructions or barriers is pursuant to Council’s powers in clause 9 of schedule 10 and section 207 of the Act and has been carried out in accordance with the requirements in sections 207A and 223 of the Act.

Finance

The cost of the Stage 1 works between La Trobe and Little Lonsdale Street, which has been estimated at $7 million, will be funded from the Council’s 2010-2011 Capital Works Program.

The closure will require the conversion of six to 10 on-street meter parking spaces to loading zones in Little Lonsdale and La Trobe Streets to maintain current levels of loading facilities in the area. The annual loss of revenue to Council from this parking change has been estimated at least $70,000.

Conflict of interest

No member of Council staff, or other person engaged under a contract, involved in advising on or preparing this report has declared a direct or indirect interest in relation to the matter of the report.

Relation to Council policy

The proposed closure of Swanston Street between La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street to all vehicles excluding bicycles and trams is in line with the Council’s Moving People and Freight Transport Strategy 2006-2020 and Council Plan 2009 – 2013 which support improvements to the pedestrian and cycling environment, and linkages to public transport.

Environmental sustainability

The proposal to permanently close Swanston Street between La Trobe and Little Lonsdale Street to all vehicles except trams and bicycles will help promote sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and the use of public transport, and improve the pedestrian amenity and safety in areas of high pedestrian usage.

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PROPOSED PERMANENT CLOSURE OF SWANSTON STREET, MELBOURNE BETWEEN LATROBE STREET AND LITTLE LONSDALE STREET TO ALL VEHICLES EXCLUDING TRAMS AND BICYCLES

NAME BUSINESS NAME/ORGANISATION

NATURE OF SUBMISSION COMMENTS

1.

Dr Ranjith Perera

1 Gwinear Court Traralgon 3844

Objection to proposal. I own an apartment in Unilodge, 339 Swanston Street and this closure will affect me in transporting items to my apartment. Service vehicles (plumbers, electricians) will also not be able to get their equipment so easily and I may have to pay extra money for their inconvenience. As most residents are students, who frequently change the place of residence, they will be inconvenienced and I will find it difficult to rent the property in the future. As this will be an apartment without easy access, the value of my property will go down. I estimate that there are nearly 300 apartments in this building and nearly 500 residents, mainly residents which will be inconvenienced by this closure. Currently vehicles are not permitted to enter this area during daytime. What additional advantage will be achieved by permanently closing the road?

The proposed closure of Swanston Street to all traffic excluding bicycles and trams will result in motorists servicing abutting property occupiers needing to make use of alternative facilities along the east–west streets (in this case Little Lonsdale Street). A review of all parking restrictions in these streets will be undertaken as Swanston Street is progressively redeveloped to increase parking opportunities for delivery vehicles and residents transporting their own goods. The distance from Little Lonsdale St parking bays, west and east of Swanston Street to the entrance of the Unilodge ranges between approximately 55 and 75 metres respectively. The closure of Swanston Street will improve pedestrian, cyclist and tram passenger amenity.

2.

Susan Jennison OAM

P.O Box 61 Keilor, Victoria 3036

Objection to proposal As a resident of Melbourne and property owner in the vicinity of the closure, I object most strongly against the proposal or even the idea of closing the city off further. What has happened over a number of years after closing a lot of vehicle traffic along Swanston Street is a ‘dead hole’ retail community centre. On what grounds do trams and bikes have priority? Bicycle riders do not pay taxes in any way for the roadways they will be given priority to use. Roadways such as Bourke Street where platform tram stops have been constructed have become traffic hazards as you are forced to go from two traffic lanes to one. (Bourke Street at

The closure of Swanston Street to vehicular traffic will allow the City of Melbourne to upgrade Swanston Street as Melbourne’s premier civic street. The City of Melbourne supports the use of sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and is committed to the expansion of on-road and off-road bicycle facilities to encourage cycling as a transport choice for commuters and visitors. The City of Melbourne fully supports improved access to public transport such as the recent construction of platform tram stops along Bourke Street, Collins Street and other locations in the municipality. The installation of the platform tram stops has not only been in response to a need

Attachment 2 Agenda Item 5.1


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William Street) The original grid design of Melbourne has been described as being ‘iconic’. In the ‘Hoddle Grid’ Swanston Street was a thoroughfare. Heritage values should not be ignored and it is incredibly sad to see Melbourne being carved up and closed off to make areas exclusive to one type of traveller or city resident.

to provide improved passenger waiting facilities, but also a need to comply with the Commonwealth Disability and Discrimination Act (DDA) (1992). The DDA has as one of its aims the provision of full accessibility to on-road public transport facilities for disabled persons. While there may be constraints to traffic lanes adjacent to platform tram stops, this is not seen as a traffic hazard as independent road safety audits have identified reduced traffic speed (20-30km/h) in the vicinity of these stops. This has improved safety for pedestrians. Council is committed through its Road Safety Plan to improved safety for pedestrians, the most vulnerable of road users. The City of Melbourne does not support the use of most CBD streets as through traffic routes because of the adverse impact high traffic volumes have on pedestrian safety, amenity, pollution, noise, congestion and public transport movements. In addition, over 50% of motorists who travelled along Swanston Street prior to its closure in 1992 used the street only as a through route, contributing little to the street or its businesses. It should also be noted that following the closure of Swanston Street, the volume of traffic entering the CBD actually increased due to the introduction of traffic management measures on alternative roads. This section of Swanston Street currently experiences light traffic volumes (approximately 2500 vehicles) and therefore there will be minimal impact to the general community if the street is closed. The closure of this section of Swanston Street will also improve the traffic carrying capacity of La Trobe Street by removing left turning movements into Swanston Street. The proposed redevelopment of Swanston Street does not impact on the Hoddle Grid.

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G. John Jennison

28 Horseshoe Road Keilor Vic 3036

Objection to proposal The roads in the Melbourne CBD are fast being turned into what appears as a complete unplanned collection of bits and pieces. Roads are required to provide a means to allow the transport of people and goods. In the 1800’s trams were added to Melbourne streets to help move people. But now it seems trams and static space are being given preference over other transport of people and goods. Obviously there are lots more people and goods required to be moved around and through the CBD than in years past, and probably more than envisaged in the original design of Melbourne. It is time to stop fiddling around with ad hoc fixes and start making long term decisions to provide the means for Melbourne to once again be properly serviced by its road system. Could it be considered that now is the time to put the trams under ground? Cities of Melbourne’s size elsewhere have extensive underground transport networks.

Swanston Street is the most highly pedestrianised street in Melbourne, with many thousands of pedestrians entering/exiting Flinders Street and Melbourne Central Railway Stations via Swanston Street as well as using links through Bourke and Collins Streets to access the retail heart of the city. The 1992 closure of Swanston Street was a carefully planned exercise undertaken to give priority to the large number of pedestrians, improve the environmental quality of the city, improve vehicle circulation within and around the city’s centre and remove the large amount of traffic that was using Swanston Street as a bypass. The City of Melbourne fully supports the use of sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport and the State Government program to upgrade of tram stops to the platform stops to comply with Commonwealth DDA legislation (as discussed above) which have benefited not only tram passengers but also pedestrians by improving safety as the result of reduced traffic speed. The re-introduction of traffic along Swanston Street would have a severe impact on the movement of cyclists (currently 1800 to 2700 between 6am and 12 midnight), as well as public transport and could result in the intersections between La Trobe and Flinders Streets re-remerging amongst the highest accident Blackspots in the metropolitan area. An underground tram line has been previously considered but was not supported due to the extremely high cost as well as safety concerns for passenger using underpasses to access trams.

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4.

James Richardson Pty Ltd and Memart Nominees Pty Ltd (JR/Memart)

185 Swanston Street Melbourne 3000

Objection to proposal The design proposal for Stage One of the redevelopment of Swanston Street would preclude access for delivery vehicles in the block between La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street. JR/Memart’s premises is located (on the west side of Swanston Street ) between Bourke and Little Bourke Streets which is scheduled for the construction of a tram platform stop during Stage Two of the redevelopment. Current Council proposal to close Swanston Street to vehicles in the blocks on which tram platforms will be located would irrevocably affect the ability of JR to operate its business both from a practical and commercial point of view. The business currently takes up to 10 stock deliveries per day at various times throughout business hours. The frequency of deliveries can double during the Christmas period. Deliveries are currently made via a side lane (Turner Alley) located between Bourke Street and Little Bourke Street, entered directly from Swanston Street. If the relevant portion of Swanston Street and the side lane cannot be accessed due to the road closure, deliveries will have to be made from a more distant location and trolleys would need to be wheeled considerable distances. Due to high value of stock contained on security pallets and/or the fact that the product is easily disposable in the ‘stolen goods market’ wheeling large trolleys long distances would pose an unacceptable security risk to the business and its employees and would also pose unsatisfactory public safety risks. If Council proceeds with current proposals increased operational costs would prohibit JR from conducting business from this location as it would be placed at an unacceptable competitive disadvantage. Current Council proposals to allow restricted or ‘after hours’ access for delivery vehicles on Swanston St blocks without tram platforms would fail to rectify the problem of road closures applicable to blocks with tram platforms and would in any case fail to address the legitimate commercial interests

The Bourke Street Mall section of Swanston Street is outside the scope of this process, which is concerned with the State Library area. However, the City of Melbourne recognises the Bourke Street Mall section is more complex than other areas of Swanston St in relation to: • delivery vehicles because the Mall is closed

to most traffic, unlike Collins and La Trobe streets;

• traders because all street frontages are commercial, unlike the Library, City Square and RMIT that have major civic or educational frontages;

• visitors given its vastly higher pedestrian counts; and

• JR Duty Free’s specific concerns about potentially having no front, side or rear access, which, to date, appears to be a unique situation.

The City of Melbourne is looking at all elements of Swanston St that will be affected by redevelopment and will be looking particularly closely at the area around Bourke Street Mall and JR Duty Free’s concerns in particular. In addition, a review of all parking restrictions along the east-west streets will be undertaken as Swanston Street is redeveloped to increase parking opportunities for delivery vehicles. Service vehicles currently use Bourke Street Mall but permits are given only to those directly servicing Bourke Street Mall properties. However, changes to the permit system could be considered to include those servicing the next block. The nearest (permit) parking areas in the Bourke St Mall are about 50 to 80 metres from the entrance to JR Duty Free.

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of JR/Mernart that would be affected by the redevelopment. By its nature the duty free business requires regular deliveries. The majority of customers are travellers and therefore cannot return at a later date. Many deliveries are made by suppliers direct into store and these suppliers cannot and will not deliver ‘after hours’ or from a distance. Each of the above factors would also substantially devalue the property, reducing its resale value and compromising the ability of Memart to attract competitive rents from future tenants.

The Council’s consultation and decision-making processes have been tainted by legal and administrative errors. The consultation process undertaken by the Council in relation to the redevelopment has been totally inadequate. Neither JR nor Memart nor any of its employees at store level or head office level were approached, informed consulted or otherwise included in the decision making processes pertaining to the redevelopment at any stage since the Council commenced planning for the redevelopment in 2008 (until it was given notice of the current submission). The failure of the Council to inform and consult JR during the early stages of the redevelopment process precluded JR from influencing early decisions regarding the concept and design, for example: a) The selection of the overarching design concept (Option 6) for decreased motor vehicle access; The endorsement of a project Plan for the redevelopment that contemplated tram platform design options that reduced or precluded vehicle access to proposed tram platform areas of Swanston Street; b) The approval of the ‘Option C’ tram platform design for Stage One/the entire redevelopment; c) The implementation of road closures and possible exemptions for service and delivery vehicles According to best practice guidelines for municipal council consultation processes, which inform the Council’s obligation

Public consultation on the Swanston Street project was one of the most exhaustive community engagement process ever undertaken by the City of Melbourne and went far beyond any legal requirements of the Council. Key dates: • 31 March 2009: the Council endorsed seven options for

the street and consulted extensively; • 30 June 2009: Council selected Option 6 and consulted

further; • 27 October 2009: Council endorsed the project plan and

consulted further again; and • 2 February 2010: Council approved the plan for Stage

One of the project, including the Option C tram platform, and consultation continues.

Officially, as with any other decision of the Council, the organisation was required to make available the Council reports on this subject prior to making a decision in a public forum and to publish the minutes of its meetings. However, in addition to this, consultation prior to selecting Option 6 included saturation print, radio and television media coverage, widely available information kits, information boards along Swanston St, a dedicated hotline, a website, cyclists with promotion boards handing out fliers, advertisements, information handouts on Swanston St and targeted information sessions

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to comply with Best Value principles (including conducting regular community consultation in the delivery of community services – Local Government Act 1989 (Vic) ss.208A, 208B(e)) Council must: consult all parties affected by a Council decision; provide sufficient information to ensure that the people being consulted can express an informed opinion; and ensure that the consultation is timed to enable the results of the process to influence the relevant policy, planning and decision-making process (consultation should occur on the scoping or identification of the issues rather than just on the final decision – VLGA, Best Value Community Consultation Resource Guide (2001)). The Council’s consultation processes have therefore manifestly failed to adhere to legally acceptable standards of administrative conduct. Consulting businesses such as JR/Memart now, after critical decisions regarding the redevelopment have already been made, does not remedy the grave deficiencies in the Council’s administrative processes to date. These deficiencies have produced the following legal consequences: The Council had breached its obligation to adhere to Best Value principles in the provision of its services (Local Government Act s.208B(e)); The entire consultation process relating to the redevelopment has been tainted by administrative errors pertaining to the provision of sufficient opportunity to be heard by parties such as JR/Memart whose rights, interests and legitimate expectations have been infringed by decisions made by the Council to date; As a result of administrative deficiencies in the consultation process, decisions made by the Council to date relating to the redevelopment have manifestly failed to take account of relevant considerations, including the impact of the decisions relating on the operations and interests of retailers that require regular access to delivery vehicles during business hours for the efficient and competitive operation of their businesses;

Further to this, the following direct consultation occurred with JR Duty Free: • 12-20 April 2009: A City of Melbourne information

postcard about the Swanston St options was delivered to JR Duty Free. In total 8000 postcards were delivered to businesses and residents in the Swanston St area between Flinders and Victoria streets.

• 3 September 2009: A senior interviewer from City of

Melbourne contractor Nexus Research interviewed a JR Duty Free representative about plans for the street and their potential impact on the business.

• 13 November 2009: City of Melbourne officers

attended a meeting with senior representatives from JR Duty Free to discuss plans for Swanston Street

All businesses and property owners were written to in relation to the proposed closure at the State Library.

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As a result of administrative deficiencies in the consultation process, decisions made by the Council to date have gravely affected the rights and interests of JR/Memart. Finally, the Council has failed to inform affected parties of the legal basis of the Council’s purported power to effect the Stage One road closure, making it unacceptably difficult for respondents to prepare legal objections to the Council’s purported exercise of power under the Local Government Act. While the Council has road closure and traffic management powers under sections 206 and 207 (and their corresponding Schedules 10 and 11) of the Act, the apparent purpose of the Stage One road closure is not a purpose for which roads can be closed under relevant items of Schedules 10 and 11. Any decision the Council could take to effect the Stage One road closure would therefore be both beyond the Council’s power (ultra vires) and for an improper purpose, rendering the decision legally invalid. In light of the above submissions, both JR and Memart respectfully request that: a) The Council endorse a new design concept for the Stage One tram platforms (and tram platforms for subsequent stages of the redevelopment) which enables delivery vehicle access at all times to premises located in tram platform blocks including to the JR premises; b) To the extent that the Council effects any road closure of Swanston Street in relation to Stage One or any subsequent stage, delivery vehicles be exempt from that road closure and permitted to access all parts of Swanston Street at all times (ie including during business hours); c) The Council consults with JR and Memart in relation to all further aspects of its planning, decision-making and consultation processes regarding aspects of the redevelopment that affect their interests.

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5.

Mr Rob Keller Senior Pastor Cross Culture of Christ Inc

194 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000

In principle support for Council’s initiative The congregation of CrossCulture of Christ Inc applaud the Council’s initiative to improve the landscape and pedestrian movements in this area. However there are a number of matters which will have exacerbated outcomes if not properly addressed. The prime concern is the ability of Lt Lonsdale Street (Elizabeth to Swanston Street) and Knox Lane to handle the increased volume of vehicular traffic when it already struggles to cope with the present traffic volumes. Trucks and service vehicles wanting to provide goods and services often wait in Little Lonsdale St to service clients located in the Melbourne Central block thereby further restricting access to through traffic. This is not an uncommon occurrence and manifests itself in different ways. There are occasions when a number of trucks stop in Little Lonsdale Street waiting to access Knox Lane, but whose truck width is such that following trucks have insufficient room to manoeuvre past the queued trucks. On one occasion the police had to be called to quell the frustration expressed by motorists (car and truck drivers) when progress along this section of Little Lonsdale Street was halted and traffic queued back to Queen Street. Removalist trucks servicing Unilodge clients also have similar difficulties. Some truck drivers experience difficulties reversing into Knox Lane due to narrowness of the lane and adjacent parking in Little Lonsdale Street. As a result, damage to our buildings continues to occur. The Closure of Swanston St may increase this problem.

The closure of Swanston Street to all traffic excluding bicycles and trams will increase the requirement for businesses to load from the east–west street such as Little Lonsdale Street. A review of all parking restrictions in these streets will be undertaken as Swanston Street is redeveloped to increase parking opportunities for delivery vehicles as well as maintain through traffic and pedestrian movements.

The area allocated for the collection of waste bins is inadequate to hold all the bins. This results in some bins being pushed into Knox Lane or left in Little Lonsdale Street on the footpath and/or on the roadway.

The issue of waste storage and collection as indicated by applicant will also be undertaken at this time

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The redevelopment of Melbourne Central and the QV development has significantly increased pedestrian movements in Little Lonsdale Street between these two complexes. Because of the two above situations, pedestrians often overflow onto Little Lonsdale Street to make their way. Any increase in the mixing of pedestrian and vehicular traffic is clearly undesirable.

Stage One of the Swanston Street development will increase pedestrian storage capacity at the north-west corner of the Swanston Street/ Little Lonsdale Street intersection.

The proposed redevelopment of Swanston Street, will adversely impact CrossCulture’s quality of service to the community as it pertains to wedding and funeral services. CrossCulture’s attendance over its three Sunday services is 1100 people, the majority of whom are students. In 2009 the pastors of CrossCulture undertook 13 weddings and 4 funerals. Council could expect requests for exclusive access to the 15 minute parking spot in Little Lonsdale Street adjacent to the chapel.

Council does provide a service to ratepayers and others whereby kerbside parking can be reserved for legitimate needs.

6.

Ryt Valiukenas Julie Edwards

Unit 407, QV2 300 Swanston Street Melbourne 3000

Support Council’s initiative in Principle We support the proposal in principle, however often the idea to improve a particular part of the city by the Council also often has a down side which can be overlooked to the detriment of the people who live within the vicinity of the improvement. With the closure of Swanston Street, at Little Lonsdale Street, traffic using Swanston Street will be forced to turn right at Little Lonsdale Street. This will increase traffic significantly in Little Lonsdale St making it a major access route from Swanston Street and increasing safety issues, pollution, noise and traffic congestion between Swanston Street and Russell Street and beyond. For those who visit the city this may not be a problem but for those who live in the vicinity, especially those whose units face Little Lonsdale Street, this is a major concern. Already the noise pollution within this area has increased significantly with the addition of new bars and café’s (especially on Fridays and Saturdays) and the reorganisation of parking and no parking areas between Swanston Street and Russell Street.

The closure of Swanston Street between La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street will require all traffic travelling north along Swanston Street (between Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale) to exit via a right turn into Little Lonsdale Street. The current number of vehicles servicing Swanston Street between Lonsdale and La Trobe Streets is very low and it is estimated that the closure will add approximately 200 vehicles per day to Little Lonsdale Street. Lt Lonsdale Street currently carries approximately 2500 vehicles per day.

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Unless the Council has taken steps to limit Little Lonsdale Street between Swanston Street and Russell Street and beyond as a major artery for vehicles travelling up Swanston Street, we cannot support this proposal.

7.

Mr John Cain President Library Board of Victoria

328 Swanston Street Melbourne Vic 3000

No objection to proposal The Library Board of Victoria presumes that the proposed works will affect Swanston Street and the pavement area between the Library’s forecourt and the road itself and will not affect or impair the State Library forecourt. On the basis of this understanding, the Board has no comments against the proposal and does not seek a hearing.

Swanston Street works will not affect the State Library. Meetings are ongoing between the State Library and Council’s City Design branch.

8.

Sally Fethers

252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Support the closure in Principle The closure to cars in the proposed block of Swanston Street is a good idea. However, retaining cyclists would render the positive concept quite redundant. Unfortunately, one thinks of cycling as that romantic, leisurely activity it once was. The truth is that a cyclist bearing down Swanston Street can be more dangerous than a car, especially in the proposed block, and continuing down to Little Bourke Street. Many cyclists feel a status that puts them above drivers and pedestrians which is evident in the way they use the footpath, pedestrian crossings, parks, one way streets (the wrong way) and disregard traffic lights. I believe a great majority of cyclist traffic in Swanston Street is purely thoroughfare which is why they cycle at such speed. If the City of Melbourne wants to decrease essential vehicle access on Swanston Street, cyclists must be part of this decrease.

The City of Melbourne fully supports the use of sustainable forms of transport such as cycling, walking, and public transport and is committed to the expansion of on-road and off-road bicycle facilities. Swanston Street is an important cycling route and caters for between 1800 and 2700 cyclists between 6am and 12 midnight Safety and comfort concerns discourage many potential cyclists from cycling within and to the Central City. The aim is to provide cyclists with safer cycling networks through the Central City that connect to adjoining municipalities and other parts of the City and encourage cycling as a transport choice for both commuters and visitors. It is acknowledged that some cyclists are disregarding the road rules, however the Victoria Police actively enforces road rules so that cyclists are aware of the need to share road space. Pedestrians are also required to obey the road rules and the Victoria Police regularly conducts blitzes in the Central City to encourage their compliance with the Road Rules.

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9.

Mr & Mrs A.J McHugh

130 Channel Highway Taroona Tas 7053

Support for Proposal As co-owners of property 2204/250 Elizabeth St Melbourne and part time residents of the apartment, we support the permanent road closure of Swanston St between La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale

Noted

10.

Mr B Dawson

1104/471 Lt Bourke St, Melbourne 3000

Support for Proposal As both a resident (1104/471 Little Bourke Street Melbourne) and as a business proprietor (Australian By Design, Shop 13, The Block Arcade) in the City of Melbourne, I congratulate you on your proposal and support it fully.

Noted

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Attachment 3Agenda Item 5.1


SWANSTON STREET, MELBOURNE BETWEEN LA TROBE STREET AND LITTLE LONSDALE STREET

PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE TO ALL VEHICLES (EXCLUDING TRAMS AND BICYCLES)

Submission 1:

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Submission 2:

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Submission 3:

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Submission 4:

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Submission 5:

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Submission 6:

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Submission 7:

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Submission 8:

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Submission 9:

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Submission 10:

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