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Feedback from draft Queen Street design plans in Warragul invaluable and summary provided

Feedback sought from the community to shape up accessibility and safety of Queen Street in Warragul.

By news@gippsland - 10th September 2021 - Back to News

Council has sought and received valuable feedback from members of our community keen to shape the way Queen Street, Warragul will look in the future. The feedback aims on plans for accessibility and safety works along Queen Street in Warragul.

Council was pleased to review the community feedback that had been sought to shape up the Queen Street accessibility and safety

Queen Street concept designs

The Queen Street concept designs initially went out for public consultation from April to May 2021 and set out actions to:

• Improve pedestrian amenity and accessibility.
• Renew the public toilet block at the park.
• Improve on road medians, pedestrian refuges and road line markings.

We received 38 responses from the community and here's what the results show us:
Support was shown for:

• Enhancing pedestrian access and safety
• Planting of large trees
• Upgrades to the existing toilet block
• Cyclist bike paths and road safety
• Right hand turning lane into Gladstone Street

Concerns were raised about:

• Noise pollution created from the works
• Damaged nature strips
• Availability and sizing of parking bays
• Traffic congestion
• The potential increase of visual distraction to motorists

Suggestions from the community include:

• Parent and child changing facilities and accessibility access for the renewed toilet block
• Enhanced street lighting
• Street furniture
• Low allergenic trees
• Refurbishment of the mosaic stage at the park
• Additional parking spaces

The results gathered from the community feedback will enable Council, together with key stakeholders, to proceed to the next stage of detailed design works and construction plans.

Ensuring the community's voice was heard

The Queen Street design is the 9th and final stage of the Warragul CBD Streetscape Project that first commenced in 2016 to help manage the population growth and development in Warragul.

Throughout the project, Council has undertaken several public consultation opportunities to ensure the community has a voice in shaping the future designs of Warragul CBD and in creating a safer and inviting space for all. All stages within the Warragul CBD Streetscape Project have been completed as part of Council's annual Capital Works Programs.

Designs to incorporate feedback

Deputy Mayor, Cr Michael Leaney said, "There were a number of good suggestions put forward through the community consultation, with the most important item being the desire to retain existing parking bays. Council has noted this along with the other feedback provided and will come up with the final design. I am certain the community along with Council will be glad to see the final stage of this project delivered."

Cr Annemarie McCabe said, "A total of 38 people took the time to contribute their feedback to these designs, and I thank them for that. It is so important for our community to have a voice and shape projects like these. This is a great example of where we, as a Council, listen to our community feedback and take it into consideration. I look forward to seeing the detailed designs that incorporate this feedback."

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com