Traffic, connectivity and transport
Traffic congestion in the city and accessing the arterial road network are issues that are consistently raised throughout the business consultation programs. Participants reported a considerable increase in traffic, particularly in Docklands over the last three years.
The Victorian Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Division is currently working on short-term solutions and a long-term plan as the amount of traffic is anticipated to grow with more businesses relocating to Docklands.
Similarly, public transport congestion continues to be perceived as a priority. The City of Melbourne plays an advocacy role in this area and works closely with the Victorian Government in the development of public transport infrastructure to improve efficiency. Council has committed significant investment for the Swanston Street redevelopment project and in particular the redesign of four major tram stops.
The City of Melbourne is also working on the Smart Bus Lines project. The east-west section on Lonsdale and Victoria streets have been completed and the north-south component is underway.
Taxi services have also been raised as a challenge. Participants in the Business Consultation Program highlighted an increased trend by business executives to use private chauffeured cars.
The Victorian Government has launched an inquiry into taxi services, aiming to review the industry as a mode of transport and to look at elements of professionalism and safety. The City of Melbourne has a high level of involvement in this project and is collaborating with the Victorian Government through the Department of Transport and the Department of Planning and Community Development.
In May 2010 Council endorsed ‘Taxi Strategy for the City of Melbourne’, outlining the actions by City of Melbourne to address the issues. Strong commitment has also been demonstrated by Council’s investment of $620,000 in capital works and $120,000 for the operational costs associated with the installation of two Safe Taxi Ranks in 2010-11.
Most recently Council has established a six month ‘mega’ taxi rank pilot, which closes access to cars on Queen Street between Bourke and Little Collins streets. Between 12am and 5am on weekends, only taxis can access. In the area taxi marshals, the police and the Salvation Army assist passengers to get home safely.
Docklands
Large business owners and workers based in Docklands say they were initially attracted to the area because it provided the opportunity for the development of new campus-style buildings in line with current organisational thinking on design of space for efficiency and cultural integration. Workers and business operators are now embracing the opportunity to have their say about shaping the public amenities and open spaces to make Docklands a great place for workers, residents and visitors now and in the future.
In 2011, the City of Melbourne was involved in a number of business consultation programs (including state government departments and agencies) that identified a number of key priorities and actions for Docklands over the next decade. Working closely with Places Victoria and other state government agencies, the City of Melbourne is looking to support the start-up of community and creative enterprises and micro-businesses to help create ground-level diversity, shop front activation and attract new visitors and businesses to Docklands.
The corporate sector felt that their employee experience at lunch time or after-hours and transport accessibility options were the main priorities. From 2008 to 2010, employment in Docklands increased by 11,372 or 54 per cent to 32,453 people. The City of Melbourne together with Places Victoria will be working with key agencies and organisations across government and private sector development, to enhance the public realm experiences in Docklands.
In addition to work on the Docklands Transport Plan with Places Victoria, VicRoads, Department of Transport and Department of Planning and Community Development will look at improving access options to and from Docklands and surrounding suburbs.