Transport and traffic in Wyndham have been put under the microscope, with council releasing a plan outlining possible strategies for the next 24 years.
The Wyndham Integrated Transport Policy and Strategy, adopted at last week’s meeting, is aimed at helping the council manage and address traffic growth and congestion while enabling it to look to the future and set long- term targets.
Council transport portfolio-holder Glenn Goodfellow said the policy and strategy, which the council plans to implement by 2040, was developed after hearing from residents that traffic and transport issues were their chief concern.
“The policy identifies the ‘what’ – a shared vision and goals,” he said. “The strategy provides the ‘how’ – the fulfilment of those goals.”
The policy and strategy aim to:
- Integrate transport and land use to make it easier to live and work locally through sustainable transport choices;
- Enable a pedestrian and cycling network that is comfortable, attractive and safe;
- Support and strongly advocate for a safer, more integrated and inclusive public transport system;
- Optimise freight transport efficiency;
- Deliver a road network meeting the social, environmental and economic needs of the region;
- Work with key stakeholders to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the roads;
- Encourage and enable a range of future transport options such as taxis, light rail, car- pooling and motorised mobility devices;
- Manage congestion and optimise overall transport network efficiency; and
- Promote healthier, more environmentally sustainable travel choices through education, promotion and communication.
Cr Goodfellow said the strategy recognised that many of the municipality’s future transport improvements would require significant advocacy efforts to secure state and federal support. “A rapidly growing population presents many challenges, and this policy and strategy will help us meet these challenges head on,” he said.
