Caloundra to Maroochydore Quality Bus Corridor)
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SUBMISSION BY SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS ON COASTCONNECT (Caloundra to Maroochydore Quality Bus Corridor) July 2009 CoastConnect – SCRC Submission Executive Summary................................................................................................................ i 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................... 1 2. Corridor Related Comments .......................................................................................... 3 2.1 Corridor Review:............................................................................................... 3 2.2 Alexandra Parade and Aerodrome Road............................................................ 4 2.3 Scope of CoastConnect Project.......................................................................... 4 2.4 Cycling............................................................................................................... 6 2.5 Car Parking...................................................................................................... 11 2.6 Walking............................................................................................................ 12 2.7 Corridor Performance ...................................................................................... 13 2.8 Intersection Performance ................................................................................. 14 2.9 Urban Design / Placemaking ........................................................................... 14 2.10 Streetscape and Character................................................................................ 15 2.10 Infrastructure Agreement................................................................................. 16 2.11 Under grounding of overhead power ............................................................... 16 3. Property Related Comments ........................................................................................ 16 3.1 Existing or Proposed Interchange Sites ........................................................... 16 3.2 Land Acquisition and Corridor Protection....................................................... 17 3.3 Open Space...................................................................................................... 18 4. Wider Community Issues............................................................................................. 18 4.1 Recognising Community ................................................................................. 18 4.2 Recognition of Council/State Planning............................................................ 19 4.3 Planning Scheme.............................................................................................. 19 4.4 Planning Areas................................................................................................. 20 4.5 Consultation ..................................................................................................... 24 5. Supporting Systems ..................................................................................................... 24 5.1 Safety ............................................................................................................... 24 5.2 User Accessories and Infrastructure ................................................................ 24 5.3 Infrastructure Standards................................................................................... 25 5.4 Real Time Information..................................................................................... 25 5.5 Bus Stops......................................................................................................... 25 6. Project Staging............................................................................................................. 26 6.1 Staging Requirements ...................................................................................... 26 6.2 Integrating Works Delivery............................................................................. 27 7. Conclusions.................................................................................................................. 29 CoastConnect – SCRC Submission Executive Summary The Sunshine Coast Regional Council is committed to sustainability including the provision of an innovative and integrated transport system for the region. In this regard, Council has instigated a number of local transport initiatives including hinterland bus services, flexi taxis and a new bus shelter program. In addition, Council has recently introduced a public transport levy to facilitate new transport initiatives for the Sunshine Coast. Also, Council continues to work with the State government on a number of State government transport projects for the Sunshine Coast including MMTC, CAMCOS, North Coast Rail Upgrades and CoastConnect. In particular, Council recognises that the CoastConnect project offers significant opportunities to increase public transport usage in the coastal corridor and provide a catalyst for further projects across the Sunshine Coast. To assist the State government to complete planning for CoastConnect, Council has undertaken a review of the “CoastConnect Caloundra to Maroochydore – Preview Concept Design and Impact Management Plan Winter 2009 and the related “CoastConnect Concept Design Maps September 2008”. The findings of this review are outlined in this submission for further consideration and refinement as part of the finalisation of the Concept Design and Impact Management Plan (CDIMP) in late 2009. This submission recognises that the State government has made a significant effort to consider and incorporate the feedback to the original consultation round in 2008. However, it is considered that a number of issues require further assessment and refinement to enable the finalisation of the CDIMP as outlined in the following sections. In addition, the submission outlines Council funding for transport related projects on and adjacent the CoastConnect corridor under its five year capital works budget and welcomes opportunities to work with the State government to ensure integration of CoastConnect with these Councils projects. These projects are intended to assist, bring forward elements of the project and better integrate the surrounding requirements to support the CoastConnect project. In summary, the major comments identified from the review which are intended to form the basis for a submission to the State government are outlined below: i. an holistic approach is required to ensure sustainability, integration and a good community outcome in terms of bus network and service planning, land use planning and urban design outcomes; ii. only a collaborative partnership between the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and Council will achieve all goals and outcomes; iii. sequencing of the staging and timing of the priority works need to be agreed and coordinated between DTMR and Council Council looks forward to working with the State government to finalise planning for CoastConnect and investigate opportunities for partnering to maximise joint outcomes. In addition, Council looks forward to the State governments commitment to the funding and delivery of this important project as a priority. July 2009 i CoastConnect – SCRC Submission 1. Introduction The Sunshine Coast Regional Council is committed to sustainability including the provision of an innovative and integrated transport system for the region. In May 2009, Council adopted its Corporate Plan 2009 – 2014 which includes the following vision for the Sunshine Coast: “To be Australia’s most sustainable region – vibrant, green, diverse.” The Vision is supported by the following theme, emerging priorities and strategies related to transport: 6 Accessibility and connectedness 6.1 A transport system that allows ease of movement 6.1.1 Develop and implement an integrated transport strategy for both existing and new communities; 6.1.2 In partnership with all levels of government, build and maintain a high quality transport network; 6.1.3 Provide a network of linked pedestrian walkways and cycleways across the region; 6.1.4 Work with the community to promote alternatives to the private car by promoting programs such as Travel Smart; 6.2 Better public transport 6.2.1 Agree on and prioritise the principal public transport needs for the region; 6.2.2 Continue to work with all stakeholders to secure and progress key public transport corridors; 6.2.3 In partnership with state government, deliver a responsive and affordable public transport system, that considers arterial bus and light rail, that links the major activity centres of the region. The Sunshine Coast Growth Management Position Paper July 2008 outlines Councils position on growth management for the region. The growth management vision includes the following statements supporting integrated transport solutions for the Sunshine Coast: “In 2031, the Sunshine Coast is a sustainable, self sufficient community which is internationally recognised as a region which has been able to achieve outstanding environmental protection while at the same time delivering a desirable lifestyle, economic prosperity and innovation and community well being……. Communities enjoy a high quality of life in a variety of well connected coast and hinterland centres that reflect their individual, strengths, character and identity and provide a wide range