By Bryan Mears

Following Council consideration of issues raised by me and our Queens Lane Residents Action Group (QLRAG) during 2021, the City of Port Phillip on 8/12/21, decided to “assess” the current function of Queens Lane. Fully 2 years later following still further representations by me, CoPP tabled the “Queens Lane Traffic and Parking Review” on the 6/12/23.

Council agreed to implement 3 recommendations accepted at the 6/12/23 meeting that I attended. After 8 months of inactivity, during which time I attempted to get clarification on timelines for implementation, I attended the 7/8/24 meeting. Over 7 years have elapsed since the last review of Queens Lane traffic issues.

We are now advised by letter dated 14/8/2024 that subject to “community feedback on the proposals, the projects will be considered for funding in the Council’s Project Portfolio for 2024/2025.”

The community have given “feedback” for 3 years!

Apart from some extra speed signs, clearly, the proposed installations will not be completed for another 2 years. The Council have kicked this can down the road for at least 3 terms.

Long suffering Lakeside Ward residents must surely wonder what actually happens at the CoPP in respect to focusing on the needs of our community. The bureaucracy surrounding this long drawn out process is costly, inefficient and profoundly frustrating.

We have an opportunity to change direction and reset the Council focus. At the upcoming election it is time to refresh, renew and reinvigorate Council. New ideas and approaches to best serve our communities in Port Philip demands new Councillors who are committed to our resident’s needs.

Vote 1 for Bryan Mears in Lakeside Ward in October 2024.