PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

PUBLIC transport and transport issues in general in Geelong are always a source of heated debate, whether it be the huge number of trucks using our CBD as a thoroughfare, the ongoing battle over bike lanes or the location of the CBD bus exchange.

The list goes on. Transport issues continue to be major stumbling blocks for the city’s progress and they aren’t going away, especially as our booming population continues exacerbating our reliance on cars.

Enter trackless trams to apparently help save the day. Let’s be honest. A trackless tram is just a bus with some spin-doctoring.

Geelong doesn’t need a cheap, quick fix. It needs a long-term plan to be funded and actually executed. Not talked about at every election like fast rail.

If you’re going to have trams, have a long-term light-rail plan for the future and do it properly.

Yes, it’s costly, but the ability to move large numbers of people in a sustainable, efficient way, especially through growth zones, would reduce our reliance on cars and encourage people to the CBD.

Canberra and the Gold Coast have gone down this path in recent years.

Light rail from the coast to the CBD for starters. Imagine light rail through the Armstrong Creek growth area to Torquay. A win for tourism on the coast, an effective alternative transport option for Geelong workers and shoppers, and a way to reduce the traffic snarl of the Surf Coast Highway.

And link it to suburban bus services and V/Line trains.

What about from the Bellarine through Leopold, Moolap, Newcomb and East Geelong into the city?

The state government must look further afield than Melbourne’s transport needs and show more foresight when it comes to Geelong.

The time to act is now.