Council
11 September, 2025
Shaping Mortlake’s future foot traffic
MOYNE Shire Council has adopted a new strategy for what the future of cycling and walking infrastructure will look like in Mortlake.
Councillors voted at the August Ordinary Meeting of Council to adopt the Active Transport Strategy for Mortlake, Koroit and Wangoom.
The strategy will help to guide the future planning and delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure across the three townships, which can be rolled out in stages as council explores further funding opportunities.
Council had been successful in securing a matched $30,000 grant through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to develop the strategy, which since February has received 54 responses.
The study identified Dunlop, Officer, Scott and Townsend streets as key streets for a bicycle network, in addition to Tea Tree Lake being identified as a site for an off-road cycling path.
The plan explores a range of opportunities including the construction or extension of footpaths, improved pedestrian crossings, advocacy for the extension of the Noorat-Terang Trail and establishing a bike repair shop or fixing-station in town.
Councillor Lisa Ryan said she was pleased to see the strategy had been developed with thorough engagement, including from Mortlake College, St Colman’s Primary School and Aberlea Aged Care Facility.
“This strategy reflects community input and outlines a staged approach to improving safety, connectivity and accessibility for walking and cycling,” she said.
“Port Fairy has had a bicycle implementation strategy now for a few years so it’s great to see that extend to other towns within our shire so we can improve visibility and connectivity.”
Councillor Jordan Lockett seconded the motion, praising the idea of heightening safety.
“It’s super important that we’ve got accessibility and safety on our roads for our cyclists,” he said.
Councillor Lloyd Ross said he appreciated the plan providing council a pathway for gradual implementation as funding became available.
“I’m happy it’s a staged approach,” he said.
“When we’ve got the cash, we can tick it off.”
The motion was unanimously carried 6-0 with councillor Jim Doukas absent.