Munro St #5 - Budget Comments

Hi Everyone,

Another fairly busy few weeks, we can now report on Council's strategy for Munro Street and a few other happenings.  Thanks to everyone's support, every bit of encouragement and advice we receive is appreciated.

Council Budget - 11th hour chance to comment
Council's 2012/13 budget is open for comment until Monday 5th at 5.00pm.   The draft budget includes:
Roads & carparks $4.19m 
Footpaths & bikepaths $1.71m
Pedestrian safety & traffic islands $0.55m
Shopping centre footpaths and streetscapes (Coburg, Glenroy, Brunswick & others) $1.64m
Total Pedestrian & Cycling $3.9m
Total Capital Works Program $33.09m

I'd encourage you to make a brief online submission in support of the Munro Street Crossing.  What to include?  Simply state that the Munro Street crossing is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists and urgently needs improvement, and that Council's budget should make allowance for this to be addressed as soon as possible.  If you've made a submission let me know.

Make a submission on Council's website http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/about-council/have-your-say/community-consultation/proposed-council-budget-12-13.html. 


Munro Street Update
Over the last few weeks we've had various contacts with Council.  We've been informed that Council supports the crossing in principle, and that:
1. Council has prepared a concept layout for the proposal, which provides pedestrian operated signals allowing access across Munro Street between Railway Place and the Upfield Bike Path next to Dan Murphys. 
2. Council's funding strategy is to rely on VicRoads for all funding and detailed design work.  Council is in discussion with VicRoads to progress this.  Our correspondence with VicRoads (see below) indicates this may be a long process.
3. Council is concurrently pursuing a 40km/h speed limit in adjoining streets (although not on Munro Street).


Correspondence
We received a letter of response to the Minister for Transport and VicRoads, which states that funding for the Munro Street crossing is not likely to receive VicRoads funding.  While this may not be a definitive position, it is a strong indication that full funding is not going to be straightforward.

Council asked us to provide some quick input into their Principal Pedestrian Network plan.  I'll keep you posted on whether there's further chance to input to this.


Walk Safely To School Day at Moreland Primary School
Following from our Walk To School Day event we were invited to address the Moreland Primary School assembly.  We told a children's story about walking improvements, and asked the kids to think about what improvements they would most like to see in their neighbourhood.  Thanks Moreland PS!


Other 
You may be aware that Bicycle Network Victoria and Moreland Bicycle Users Group is running a campaign for increased bicycle infrastructure funding, including support for continuation of the Upfield Bike Path to the Western Ring Road, with the support of Christine Campbell MP.  If you'd like to support this campaign please see BNV or MBUG website.

Thanks everyone, keep in touch!

Nataniel & Team.