ISSUES

POOR STREET HIERARCHY

Poor street hierarchy is evident across the suburb, leading to compromised pedestrian accessibility and user friendliness. This is a particular issue along St Georges Road where pedestrians and cyclists currently compete with motorists driving at high speeds. This could be minimised by actions such as decreasing car speeds in given areas.

POOR STREET LEVEL GREENING Canopy cover and small-scale street level vegetation is an important part of decreasing urban heat and heat vulnerability, and increasing the walkability of urban areas. Increasing street level greening, particularly canopy cover is recorded to also impact on decreased car speeds within areas, thus greening should be focussed within main roads in commercial areas.

BUS ONLY CATCHMENT

The north eastern portion of the suburb is restricted to a bus only catchment of 800m. This means that residents are restricted to the infrequency and unreliable bus network, that currently has minimal linkage with other modes of public transport. This also creates issues such as car reliability.

MINIMAL MIXED USE

Mixed use is an integral part of creating a walkable precinct. Walkability is a main driver of sustainable urban form, through its minimisation of car use. Areas of mixed used should thus be increased to provide for future population increase, and also aim to provide a secondary commercial district. Northcote Issues Map

18%

35% 46%

Commercial/ Industrial Residential energy Transport Darebin total carbon emission also highlight issues within the suburbs as the highest contributor to total carbon emissions are residential energy and commercial industry. This highlights a need to establish stronger regulations in both commercial and residents areas to minimise the contribution Northcote’s emissions have on global warming (City of Darebin, 2020). LEVEL CROSSING/ POOR BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE

Along both the Mernda and Hurstbridge train line there is a high variety of level crossings. This not only compromises pedestrian safety but creates unattractive and incohesive pedestrian and bike networks for cyclists and pedestrians. AREA OF LOW CYCLIST SAFETY

As recorded from cyclists themselves, areas along St Georges Road, and southern areas of High Street hold diminished perceptions of cyclist safety. Encouraging cyclability leads to decreased carbon emissions through diffused car use, and thus minimises impacts of climate change. These areas should thus be facilitated to enhance bike ridership in the area.

POORLY ESTABLISHED BUS STOP

Well established and appealing bus infrastructure is a key element in enhancing and encouraging commuters to use public transport. Across the suburb there is currently minimal seating, greening and bike infrastructure established at bus stops.

AREA SUBJECT TO INNUNDATION

Areas subject to inundation pose a unique threat to Northcote’s climate resilience. Due to increased extreme weather events, strategies should aim to manage risks inundation have on areas built form and native ecology.

HIGH URBAN HEAT

Concrete dominated areas across Northcote such as All Nations car park and Arthurton Road exemplify issues surrounding increased temperatures. It is integral that the urban heat and heat vulnerability of these areas be minimised to ensure Northcote can adapt to future temperature increase.