March 21st, 2024Opportunity for Wendouree cyclists, walkers

Work has begun to explore opportunities to make Ballarat’s Forest Street in Wendouree safer, more enjoyable and more accessible for people walking and cycling.  

Forest Street is a key transport link in Wendouree for residents to get to local businesses, shops, schools, early learning centres, community facilities and Lake Wendouree.  

The street has many side streets and places of interest, and it has been observed that some people find this corridor unsafe and challenging to get around.  

The State Government has also recognised Forest Street as a strategic cycling corridor, and Ballarat Bicycle Network have identified the street as a key route in Ballarat.

The community’s local knowledge of this area is invaluable in understanding what improvements can be made to make it safer and more enjoyable.  

Feedback is being encouraged from people who use bikes, scooters or mobility aids as well as people who use the route without a car, such as pedestrians and parents who push prams.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said having safe and accessible routes for all the community is vital as the city grows.  

“We want your insights on Forest Street as it is currently and what you may like to see in the future,” he said.  

“If you have any areas of concern or suggestions as to how we can improve active transport in this area, we urge you to participate in the scoping exercise so our team can determine what changes may be made.”  

Thos keen to have input are being invited to visit the City of Ballarat’s MySay page, to pin their ideas on the map of Forest Street, answer a short survey or ask a question. Consultation closes on 8 April 2024.  

At this stage, this is a scoping project seeking to understand local issues and set the parameters for what improvements may look like in this area.

Feedback will be collated and reported back to the submitters and the design team will then prepare concept designs for community review.