At the recent Port Phillip City Council meeting at St. Kilda Town Hall on December 6th, the long-awaited Queens Lane Traffic and Parking Review was presented. Despite prior requests by the Queens Lane Resident Action Group (QLRAG) for early access to the document, the Council neither acknowledged these requests nor provided the Review in advance. This lack of communication forced us, as representatives of QLRAG, to respond to the Review within a constrained two-minute timeframe without prior examination.

It's important to recognize the timeline leading to this Review's publication. For seven years, no significant changes have been made to improve traffic flow at Queens Lane and Kings Way, leading to the current chaotic situation. Despite the Council's decision in December 2021 to prepare a report within 12 months to assess Queens Lane's functionality, the Review was delayed and only tabled in December 2023. Throughout the past year, QLRAG has actively sought solutions to the acknowledged traffic and safety issues, often facing communication challenges with the Council.

The Review frequently notes the limited options available to the Council due to external factors. However, Queens Lane, between Hanna St. and Kings Way, falls under Council jurisdiction, making them responsible for road safety. The increase in development and heavy traffic continues to exacerbate congestion. Notably, the Council has neglected to consult the community on Construction Traffic Management Plans or broader traffic management strategies.

Council's reliance on a 2016 study, which dismissed concerns about Queens Lane being used as a "Rat Run," seems increasingly questionable seven years later. Although our early analysis of the Review is marked by disappointment, particularly at the missed opportunities and slow progress, we acknowledge the inclusion of one of our recommendations: the installation of speed limit signs in the Queens Lane precinct.

The Review's recommendations were approved for potential inclusion in the 2024/2025 Budget, but given past experiences, we remain skeptical about actual implementation. The Council's projected timeline and vague promises of future community consultation further contribute to our frustration.

Finally, the Review's recommendations for improving pedestrian safety and managing construction impacts are inadequate. The lack of communication and community engagement from the Council will likely result in continued discontent among residents, who are increasingly frustrated with the slow pace and lack of substantial action.