Pakington North Community Panel

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

We Acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We Acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.

PAKINGTON NORTH COMMUNITY PANEL SESSION 4

01 THE SESSION

Purpose

1. To recap on previous sessions and determine next steps.

2. To build participant knowledge on access and movement focusing on challenges and opportunities via expert presentation and ‘deep dive’ discussions.

3. To develop community recommendations for Access and Movement, answering the following questions:

• How do we manage the demand for additional movement?

• How do we mitigate potential impacts on parking and traffic flow?

Session Agenda

12:10-12.30pm Participants arrive

12:30pm Welcome

12:45pm Presentation on Access and Movement

1:30pm Q&A Panel

1:45pm Developing recommendations

2:45pm BREAK

3:00pm Q&A Panel

3:20pm Voting and refining recommendations

4:00pm BREAK

4:10pm Recap and voting on built form heights

5:00pm Next Steps

5:30pm End of Session 4

How to prepare for the session?

Reading this document

The City has prepared this reading material to explore various topics and initiate an understanding of existing constraints and opportunities under the theme of “access and movement”. This will also encourage a robust discussion during the panel sessions.

It is to be noted that the booklet only provides a broad basis for deliberation. Discussions may overlap between themes and at times may be explored in the subsequent booklets, while specifics for the topic will continue to be developed and refined in the panel sessions.

Come with an open mind

We will start each session on time. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier to settle in if you can, have some food (catered for) and socialise. Please come with an open mind to learn, share and collaborate on ideas for the Pakington Street North Urban Design Framework (UDF).

02 INTRODUCTION

Access and movement is a key component of how people experience places.

In this session, we will explore the various modes of transport that compete for space in street design. Designing an integrated transport network allows for the most efficient use of public space for the access and movement of people. The interface between the movement of people and other uses within the public realm (eg. alfresco dining, meeting points, open space etc.) needs to be considered as part of that design.

• Commercial activity: Space allocated for the day to day operation of businesses (eg. customer access, staff access, loading zones).

• Public transport: Space allocated for the provision of public transport services (eg. bus shelters, vehicle lanes, bus lanes)

• Active travel: Space allocated for people walking, riding bicycles and using micromobility options (eg. footpaths, bicycle lanes, shared paths, shared zones).

• Private vehicles: Space allocated for the use of private vehicles moving to, through and around the street (eg. vehicle lanes, on-street parking, off-street parking).

In this document, we will explain the context in which we are preparing the UDF pertaining to access and movement. The following table outlines project elements under this topic which can be directly influenced through the engagement process, and elements that cannot be influenced due to technical, statutory or regulatory reasons (e.g. State policy, planning scheme requirements and inter-related strategies and policies).

UDF ELEMENT

Demand for additional movement

NEGOTIABLES

These have not been decided and can be influenced by panel

How we manage the demand for additional movement

Parking Opportunities to mitigate potential impacts of increased development on residential parking.

Traffic flow Opportunities to mitigate potential impacts of traffic flow along local residential streets.

NON NEGOTIABLES

These have already been decided and can’t be influenced by panel

What, why, how information.

What, why, how information.

What, why, how information.

PAKINGTON NORTH COMMUNITY PANEL SESSION 4

03 WHAT WE KNOW

Pakington Street is a key north-south link that connects Church Street at the northern end to Aberdeen Street and West Fyans Street further south. The Pakington North Precinct lies between Church Street to the north and Waratah Street and Wellington Street to the south.

There are multiple vehicle crossovers and side streets that connect to Pakington Street that primarily facilitate the movement of vehicles.

Arterial roads are state govrnment controlled roads that are generally expected to facilitate the movement of vehicles between cities, towns and suburbs.

Local roads are local government controlled roads that, in an urban environment, broadly fall into the following categories:

• Main Distributor - roads that carry heavy volumes of traffic, including commercial vehicles, and act as principle routes for traffic flows in and around the municipality.

• Secondary Distributor - roads that carry carry significant volumes of traffic and provide access, by linking residential areas to arterial roads.

• Local Access - roads that are intended to carry only local traffic. The primary function is to provide access to private properties.

North-south roads in Geelong's West include:

• Latrobe Terrace (Arterial)

• Pakington Street (Main Distributor)

• Shannon Avenue (Arterial)

• Minerva Road (Main Distributor)

• McCurdy Road (Arterial)

East-west roads in Pakington North Precinct include:

• Church Street (Arterial)

• Isabella Street (Local Access)

• Britannia Street (Secondary Distributor)

• Waratah Street (Secondary Distributor)

• Wellington Street (Secondary Distributor)

The key elements of this part of Pakington Street include:

• Two vehicular lanes allowing traffic to travel both directions.

• On street parking facilities to both sides of the street.

• Narrow, on road, unprotected bike lanes in both directions.

• Average footpath width of 2.8m, limiting its use for footpath focussed outdoor activation.

• Bus stops for Route 22 along the length of the precinct.

• Bus stops for Route 1, 25 and 43 to the south (along Autumn Street).

• Local street connections.

1. https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/pbn/article/item/8d87a6abab6b064.aspx

2. https://www.vic.gov.au/strategic-cycling-corridors

Movement and Place in Victoria, 2019

The State government's Movement and Place framework 3 for Victoria provides planners and engineers with a tool to guide decision making and investment. The framework considers streets and roads both as places to dwell and corridors for the movement of people and goods. The concepts of Movement and Place seeks to closely integrate transport and land use.

The framework acknowledges that Victoria is facing a period of strong population growth and change. The challenge is that many of our roads are limited in widths by existing infrastructure. This means that we need to respond with a modern approach to designing roads and streets for a transport system that will meet the needs of a growing population whilst creating and improving public spaces

Pakington Street is considered an Activity Street under the framework. An Activity Street generally has high demand for movement as well as place with a need to balance those different demands within the available road space.

Principal Bicycle Network and Strategic Cycling Corridors

The Principal Bicycle Network 1 (PBN) is a network of roads and paths that have been identified by council in partnership with the Department of Transport and Planning for the provision safe bicycle infrastructure that connects local people to local places (employment, schools, healthcare, shops etc).

Strategic Cycling Corridors 2 (SCC) are a subset of the PBN and are designed to connect people to major activity centres and other suburbs.

Pakington Street provides a north-south connection of the PBN that links to the SCC along Villamanta Street and subsequently into central Geelong.

Brittania Street and Waratah Street provide PBN connections to Pakington Street from the west.

O'Connell Street connects Pakington Street to the bridge over the railway line and under Latrobe Terrace to the east that links to Mercer Street.

This network ultimately aims to provide safe and connected bicycle infrastructure that is accessible for all ages and abilities to encourage riding a bicycle as a mode of transport.

Development across Greater Geelong

Surrounding development and population growth across the region will impact the transport network by increasing the demand for local and regional trips.

One of the ways the City aims to address the increased pressure on the network is by improving active travel infrastructure and advocating to the State Government for high quality public transport services.

This will help Geelong transition towards a more integrated transport network with access to sustainable transport modes and reduces car dependency whilst balancing the needs of those who need to or prefer to drive private vehicles.

04 WHAT WE SHOULD CONSIDER

We must consider and implement existing policies and strategies. We cannot influence policies that have been adopted and must ensure alignment.

VICTORIA'S CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY

The strategy has a target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Transport is the second largest source of emissions in the state and the strategy sets a target for 25% of all trips to be made by walking or riding a bicycle as part of reducing transport related emissions.

The UDF can enchance the experience for people walking and riding a bicycle for short, local trips to assist with reaching the strategy's target.

VICTORIAN CYCLING STRATEGY

This strategy aims to increase the number, frequency and diversity of Victorians cycling for transport by:

- investing in a safer, lower-stress, better-connected network.

- making cycling a more inclusive experience.

The UDF can improve bicycle infrastructure on Pakington Street to make it safe for local residents and visitors to ride to Pako and access the Strategic Cycling Corridor that links to central Geelong.

VICTORIA'S BUS PLAN

Aims to provide a bus network that better meets public transport needs and demand, including new networks of routes and service models like on-demand and demand responsive services that make the most of innovation and new ideas.

The UDF can set guidelines and objectives that will assist with advocacy to the State government for improvements to the bus network that services Pakington Street.

VICTORIAN ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY

This Road Safety Strategy aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and put us on the path to eliminating road deaths by 2050.

The UDF should align with the strategy by creating a safe environment for all road users and consider how interactions between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles are managed.

GREATER GEELONG: A CLEVER AND CREATIVE FUTURE

A community led vision that has aspirations for a fast, reliable and connected transport network.

One of the objectives of this vision is that 50% of commuter trips are by active and public transport by 2047.

The UDF seeks to locate new residents within close proximity to major employment centres that are accessible by walking, riding a bicycle and catching public transport.

PAKINGTON STREET (GEELONG WEST) PUBLIC PARKING PLAN

This plan aims to manage on and off-street parking demand through Precinct Parking Plans for Pakington Street that will balance the needs of different users.

The UDF should consider the impacts of making changes to on and off-street parking that will require review of the existing Precinct Parking Plans.

VICTORIA’S CLIMATE change Strategy

INTEGRATED TRANSPORT STRATEGY (TBC)

This strategy is currently in development and community engagement is set to begin in 2024. The purpose of the strategy will be to help transition Geelong towards an integrated transport network that prioritises sustainable transport and the movement of people.

The UDF can improve the safety and amenity of sustainable transport modes such as walking and riding a bicycle through provision of infrastructure. It can also assist with advocating to the State government for the improvement of the bus network.

VISION ZERO GEELONG: SAFE LOCAL TRAVEL 2022-2027

Council's road safety strategy outlines an ambitious vision of no deaths and serious injuries on Greater Geelong roads by 2050.

The UDF should align with the strategy by creating a safe environment for all road users and consider how interactions between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles are managed.

THE PLANNING SCHEME

Provision of Car Parking Spaces (Clause 52.06-2)

1. To ensure the provision of an appropriate number of car parking spaces having regard to the demand likely to be generated, the activities on the land and the nature of the locality.

2. To support sustainable transport alternatives to the motor car and promote the efficient use of car parking spaces through the consolidation of car parking facilities.

3. To ensure that car parking does not adversely affect the amenity of the locality and ensure that the design and location of car parking is of a high standard, creates a safe environment for users and enables easy and efficient use.

Provision of Bicycle Parking Spaces (Clause 52.34-3)

1. To encourage cycling as a mode of transport

2. To provide secure, accessible and convenient bicycle parking spaces and associated shower and change facilities.

Parking Overlay (Claure 45.09)

1. To facilitate an appropriate provision of car parking spaces in an area.

2. To identify areas and uses where local car parking rates apply.

3. To identify areas where financial contributions are to be made for the provision of shared car parking.

4. To ensure the provision of an appropriate number of car parking spaces having regard to the demand likely to be generated, the activities on the land and the nature of the locality.

The Parking Overlay is currently not applied on Pakington Street, but is an option available under the Planning Scheme.

PAKINGTON NORTH COMMUNITY PANEL SESSION 4

05 WHAT WE CAN EXPLORE

In this session, we will explore 'access and movement' for the Pakington North Precinct. It is important that we address facilitating access and movement for all modes of transport whilst also keeping in mind policies and strategies that support our growing population and the need for the UDF to align with these.

Commercial activity

High quality activity streets attract a mix of commercial businesses that are supported by local residents and visitors. Depending on location, businesses are able to use on-street loading zones, rear lane access or space within the property to facilitate deliveries. Public space can also be allocated to facilitate on street dining and advertising through the use of permits.

How should we support businesses with their day to day operations?

How do we generate the most activity on Pakington Street to make it an attractive place for local businesses to thrive?

Public transport

Public transport is a service that is managed by the State government and includes the bus network and rail line in Geelong. Good quality public transport provides a viable alternative to driving a private vehicle for everyday activities when it is fast, frequent, direct and reliable. This UDF can feed into and strengthen advocacy to the State government for short and long term improvements in the bus network that services the Pakington North Precinct and surrounding areas.

This precinct is located within a short walk, bicycle ride, bus trip or drive to Geelong Station as an option for people who commute to Melbourne for work.

How can public transport be improved to allow greater access to the Pakington North Precinct for residents and visitors?

How can we better connect residents and visitors to the Pakington North Precinct and Geelong Station?

Active travel

Walking and riding a bicycle are low cost modes of transport that provide health benefits to individuals and social and economic benefit to the community.

The Pakington North Precinct has footpaths on both sides of the street and good connectivity to the wider footpath network on the adjacent local streets. People choose to walk for recreation, to access shops, employment, education and other services. Potential conflicts with vehicles, wait times at crossing points and vehicle speed all play a role in determining the actual and perceived safety and amenity of the walking experience.

As a specialised retail centre, businesses on Pakington Street benefit from attracting large number of people walking to and between stores. Whether it is walking from home, bus stop, train station or where they parked their car, the UDF should consider prioiritising the walking experience.

Pakington Street and other adjacent local streets are part of Geelong's Principal Bicycle Network. This is a network of roads and paths that aims to deliver people to services, education, retail and employment precincts. The network consists of separated bicycle paths, shared paths, protected bicycle lanes and on road bicycle lanes. The overall goal is to provide a safe, connected network for people of all levels of abilities and ages to ride a bicycle to get around. Parking for bicycles and is standardised through Clause 52.34-3 of the Planning Scheme. This clause sets the minimum required amount of bicycle parking facilities for new developments. Secure bicycle parking at destinations makes it more convenient to ride for local and commuter trips and can lead to an increase active travel participation.

Micromobility options such as e-scooters are gaining popularity particularly among younger people as a personal mobility option that is significantly cheaper than owning and operating a private vehicle. We need to ensure that we are designing streets to cater for future micro-mobility needs.

How can we ensure people have a safe and pleasant experience walking to and around the precinct?

How can we makes it more convenient to make short local trips by riding a bicycle or e-scooter?

How can we makes it easier or commute to work/ school/university by riding a bicycle or e-scooter?

Private vehicles

As Greater Geelong's population continues to grow to a prediction 400,000 by 2051, we need to transition away from car dependency and towards a more sustainable, integrated transport network. This UDF provides an opportunity to change the way we think about how residents and visitors will experience Pakington Street in the future and what role private vehicles play. We need to consider how we can encourage participation in more sustainable modes of transport whilst balancing the provision of access for those who need to, or prefer to drive.

Different land uses generate different volumes of traffic at different times throughout the day. A residential apartment building that is close to high quality public transport will aim to promote lower rates of car ownership and less traffic movements than a free standing house with limited access to public transport or a supermarket with a large car park. Future development in the Pakington North Precinct needs to consider the impacts of parking provision and vehicle access to and around Pakington Street. The UDF will influence the safety and amenity of the street for those outside of a vehicle by considering how private vehicles should move to and through Pakington Street.

The amount of parking provided for new developments is standardised through Clause 52.06-2 of the Planning Scheme. This clause sets the minimum required amount of car parking spaces within a development based on its land use. The UDF needs to consider parking provision as it relates to development and the impact on the street network and local parking demand.

How

How can we provide access for visitors travelling to the Pakington North Precinct by private vehicle?

How

Local area traffic management is a tool that councils and road managers can use to improve the safety and amenity of a local area by reducing vehicle speeds. Examples include speed humps, raised intersections, lane narrowing, slow points, kerb outstands.

Modal filters are another traffic management device that reduce the speed and volume of vehicles on a local street by restricting vehicle access at certain points on the road network. This makes it less convenient for making short trips in a vehicle though makes it safer and more convenient for short trips by walking or riding a bicycle. The reduced through traffic by limiting vehicle access points can also improve the safety and amenity of the street for residents.

How can we maintain access for private vehicles owned by residents?

Example of a speed hump in Brittania Street, Geelong West

can we limit the amount of through traffic on Pakington Street?

can we minimise potential traffic impacts on the surrounding local street network?

PAKINGTON NORTH COMMUNITY PANEL SESSION 4

APPENDIX

Key information

Session Details

We will start each session on time. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier to settle in if you can, have some food (catered for) and socialise. Doors will open 20 minutes before the official start of each session.

Access to private Have Your Say (HYS) page

We have set up a Have Your Say Page for the Community Panel. This page can only be accessed by the Panel members and project team (City and Capire). You can find all relevant documents, key information and other details to assist with preparing for the Panel Sessions here. You can also ask questions to the project team or continue the discussion online with other Panel members.

In order to access the page you will need to be logged in to the HYS platform. We have set up an account using your first name and the initial of your surname as your username and the email address provided. If you already have an existing HYS account we have added your existing account to this page. If you can’t remember your password please reach out to engagement@geelongcity. vic.gov.au and we will reset it for you.

If you ask a question or make a comment on the page, only your username will appear (ie. no email address or full name).

SESSION TIME VENUE

Session 1

Setting the Scene and Understanding the Drivers for Change

Session 2

Thursday, 8 February, 5.30-8.30pm

The Public Realm Saturday 10 February, 12.30-5.30pm

Session 3a

Built Form Thursday, 29 February, 6.00-8.30pm

Session 3b

Built Form Thursday, 7 March, 6.00-8.30pm

Session 4

Access and Movement Saturday, 16 March, 12.00-5.30pm

Session 5

UDF Endorsement Thursday, 18 April, 6.00-8.00pm

Geelong West Town Hall (153 Pakington Street, Geelong West)

Wurriki Nyal (137-149 Mercer St, Geelong)

Geelong West Town Hall (153 Pakington Street, Geelong West)

Wurriki Nyal (137-149 Mercer St, Geelong)

Wurriki Nyal (137-149 Mercer St, Geelong)

Geelong West Town Hall (153 Pakington Street, Geelong West)

Please follow the steps below to login:

1. Access the page using the QR code below or login via https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ community panel

2. A login screen will pop up. Use your email address and the password: communitypanel2024 . Click on the blue ‘log in’ button.

3. We recommend that you ‘favourite’ or ‘bookmark’ the hub - https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com. au/community panel for easy access. To do this for Google Chrome users, click on the ‘star’ at the end of the search bar. A pop up box will appear. Name the bookmark and click on done. The Hub will then appear in your Bookmark bar.

Housekeeping

After the final session you will receive remuneration as a thank you for the time and effort you have put in. The maximum amount will be $100, if you have missed a session you will receive a pro rata amount.

Contact Information

Email urbandesignandheritage@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Phone

• For dietary requirements and other session related enquiries, please contact:

Kathleen Dinsmore on 03 5272 5007

• For enquires relating to access to the private HYS page, please contact:

Erin McHugh on 03 5272 4211

• For enquiries relating to the project, please contact: Shwiti Ravisankar on 03 5272 5438

Project Team

City of Greater Geelong

Kate Shearer

Acting Manager City Design

Sabine Provily Coordinator Urban Design

Shwiti Ravisankar

Principal Urban Designer

Gunali Ajgaonkar Urban Designer

Felicity Bolitho Coordinator Community Engagement

Erin McHugh Community Engagement Officer

Capire Consulting

Denise Francisco Senior Associate

Charlotte Yu Consultant

Precinct Map

Existing heritage buildings shown in brown hatched lines.

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

PO Box 104

Geelong VIC 3220

P: 5272 5272

E: contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

www.geelongaustralia.com.au

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100 Brougham Street

Geelong VIC 3220

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