Traffic congestion in Seymour and the need to expand the focus of a planned report was discussed at the July Mitchell Shire Council meeting.
Councillors received a motion that requested Council officers prepare a report for the September 2024 Council meeting to explore the feasibility of the development of a Traffic Study and Plan for the Seymour township activity centres, particularly considering projected population and visitor numbers.
The motion highlighted key intersections in the town, including the Station Street roundabout and the High Street railway crossing where traffic congestion was developing.
The motion also highlighted the future closure of Chittick Place, the construction of the Seymour Hub, and traffic around the ANZAC Village site that will be impacted as traffic in the area increases.
An officer report advised councillors that a traffic report was recently undertaken to support the Seymour Structure Plan. The report recognises future growth to the east and north-east of Seymour, and identified key intersections that required further analysis for potential future upgrading.
Councillors were also advised that a more detailed study would be required to determine the impact of traffic with the future growth of Seymour, adding that currently, there is not enough available funding to undertake such a study.
Speaking in favour of the motion, Cr Bill Chisholm raised the need to look at other areas within the Shire.
“The whole point of this motion is that it highlights Seymour, but the problem (of increased traffic) is right across the Shire. We have issues right here in Broadford, and Kilmore and Wallan are experiencing similar problems. We need to address the bigger picture,” he said.
The motion was voted on and carried unanimously.
