BOROONDARA: Petition for Hartwell
Hawthorn MLA John Pesutto (pictured) has presented a 23-signature petition to State Parliament about road safety in Toorak Rd, Camberwell.
“This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly a proposal for a safe and convenient for the crossing of the Anniversary Trail over Toorak Rd in Hartwell – a Strategic Cycling Corridor and longstanding concern to trail users.
“In early 2015 Boroondara Council conducted a feasibility study and public engagement in relation to this matter, the outcome of which was confirmation that the preferred solution was the construction of a bridge,” the petition states.
“In 2018 Council submitted a concept design for the bridge to the Victorian Government requesting funding for the design and construction.
“In late 2022, the Victorian Government conducted additional public engagement on solutions for the Anniversary Trail connection over Toorak Rd but ignored community feedback that favoured the construction of a bridge.
“In December 2024, Active Transport Victoria advised that while the option preferred by surveyed respondents was for the walking and cycling bridge, they are proceeding with a route that largely replicates problems with the current route.
“The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly call on the Victorian Government to proceed with the design and construction of the community-preferred solution.
“Namely, for a bridge over Toorak R d for the Anniversary Trail, meeting accessibility and path design standards, including safety improvements to the existing rail crossing to the north,” the petition said.