Yarra City Council Votes on Wellington Street Changes

The revised plan, recommended after community consultation, differs from earlier proposals that included more extensive traffic restrictions.

The Yarra City Council is scheduled to vote on May 12 regarding a proposal to modify a 1.1-kilometer section of Wellington Street between Johnston Street in Collingwood and Queens Parade in Clifton Hill.

Original Proposal and Revisions

The initial plan involved transforming the street into a "bicycle street" by installing "modal filters" such as garden beds and concrete curbs to prevent vehicles from driving the full length. The council estimated this would divert approximately 11,000 through-traffic cars daily.

A revised package has been recommended for consideration after public feedback. The revised plan includes:

• Minor safety works
• Repainting bike lanes
• Upgrading a school crossing
• Investigating a 30 km/h speed limit

Two design options from the original consultation were considered: a "Bicycle Street" shared zone with a 30km/h speed limit for motorists and cyclists, or dedicated bike lanes with physical barriers in Clifton Hill and painted lanes in Collingwood. Both options included traffic-blocking measures and would reduce on-street parking.

Community Consultation and Responses

1,654 survey responses: 62% supported some form of traffic blocking overall, though local support was lower.

Public consultation took place from September to October last year. Council officers stated they letterboxed over 8,500 properties and engaged with businesses in the area. Consultation with Clifton Hill Primary School leadership began in August 2025, and a pop-up session in October attracted 100 children and 50 adults.

Community feedback included:

• 1,654 survey responses: 62% supported some form of traffic blocking overall, though local support was lower (50% of Collingwood and 47% of Clifton Hill opposed).
• Petitions: Over 2,560 signatures against the plan, and 780 in favor.

Supporters of traffic restrictions advocated for a "calmer and greener" neighborhood, citing pollution and traffic dangers, with 88 percent of vehicles identified as through-traffic. Opponents expressed concerns that restrictions would redirect vehicles onto residential side streets, including Gold Street, which features a community park and childcare center. Questions were also raised about the viability of two service stations on Wellington Street and the impact on Clifton Hill Primary School drop-offs.

Stakeholder Statements

• Alexandra Lamb (Say Yes to a New Wellington St campaign): Described the recommendation as a "backflip" and said it showed "weakness."
• Sebastian Guiney (Oppose Wellington St Closure campaign): Welcomed the shift but expressed concern that future transformations could still be pursued.
• Mayor Stephen Jolly: Noted the unprecedented level of community interest and cautioned against imposing decisions on a community that may not support them.

Report Findings and Traffic Predictions

A council report acknowledges that traffic diversions to side streets are unlikely but concedes preliminary modeling suggests a 56% increase in daily traffic on Gold Street (approximately 900 additional vehicles). The report states the revised changes would be "less impactful" in addressing high traffic volumes and safety issues.