Geraldton council seeks approval to move to next phase of Maitland Park Transport Hub concept master plan

Public consultation for a master plan addressing traffic congestion around Maitland Park during school pick-up and drop-off times is complete and the council is seeking approval to proceed to the next design phase. The City of Greater Geraldton is set to endorse the Maitland Park Transport Hub concept master plan following the public consultation period that ended on August 7. An application for funding will be submitted and feedback will be incorporated into the design process if the council votes to proceed to the next design phase. With five schools surrounding Maitland Park, the transport hub addresses pedestrian safety and traffic congestion in one of Geraldton’s busiest areas during school hours through improved transportation for school buses and more parking access. The City received 175 responses and found 82 per cent of respondents thought it would improve safety and better balance buses, vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians in the area. The Carols by Candlelight organising committee and the Geraldton Cycling Advocacy Group made submissions raising concerns about the concept plan. Mayor Shane Van Styn said the transport hub had been worked on directly through community consultation with stakeholders and local residents for about two years. “People are excited to see the kids being dropped off a lot safer and better access for buses, in what is a very busy school district in Geraldton,” he said. “I think that people can agree the congestion that is around in that area could be better managed by reinstating better travel facilities and ensuring that people can move more freely through those peak hours.” Mr Van Styn said the plan still maintained the Friends of Geraldton Gardens (FROGGS) botanical garden concept and would keep the area “beautiful and green”. The council will vote on Tuesday to endorse and advertise the final high level concept within the community and for the the CEO to apply for funding under the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.