Merimbula Transport Study

Project Summary/background

The Merimbula Transport Study (MTS) is a Place-based Study (under the NSW Movement and Place Framework for the Merimbula CBD and the Fishpen Precinct and a direct action from the Bega Valley Local Strategic Planning Statement.

Places represent locations where people conduct any type of activity, from working to resting. Places have some form of meaning to people including places of convenience, conducting business, socialising and can have deep histories and heritage. Place values are important to preserve and enhance as they reinforce belonging in the community. It is important that we understand place as well as movement before considering changes because they are intrinsically linked. Successful places put people first and place function and movement together.

Merimbula’s transport needs are challenged by geographic (terrain) and environmental characteristics, changing demography, seasonal tourism, and expanding economic needs. The townships interdependencies and connectivity with transport links within and outside of the local government area also need careful consideration. These include cross-border linkages with Victoria and the ACT, marine transport, aviation and heavy vehicle needs.

Council engaged the contractor Stantec (formerly Cardno) to facilitate the study that was adopted by Council 15^th November 2023 with some minor modifications to the exhibited draft documents.  The adopted Merimbula Transport Study is now a key planning document that will shape Council’s strategic transport agenda for the town and how it will pursue improvements to the transport network in Merimbula township as funding becomes available. It will nest under the Council’s future shire wide Transport Strategy and feed into that strategy as it changes.

The study builds on the earlier engagement of other key Council projects such as the:

• Bega Valley Shire Community Strategic Plan 2042
• Bega Valley Shire Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040
• Bega Valley Shire Commercial Land Strategy 2040
• Bega Valley Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021 – 2025
• Bega Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy 2050
• Spiire Merimbula 2015 CBD Landscape Masterplan (now under review as a consequence of the Merimbula Transport Study recommendations)   
• Bega Valley Shire Bike Plan (now under review as part of the Bega Valley Shire Active Transport Strategy project)

The Transport Study engagement involved stakeholder group workshops and collecting community feedback through an interactive webmap portal where people responded to the following questions about study area:

• What works well in the transport network in Merimbula?
• What can be improved in the transport network in Merimbula?
• Are there any conflicts between Place values and the transport network in Merimbula?
• How can we make Merimbula an improved place for people?

The relevant feedback was then incorporated into the adopted study documents.

Purpose

The Merimbula Transport Study achieved the following strategic objectives:

1. Established the transport context (current and possible futures) for Merimbula considering the natural, social, cultural and commercial environment, and recognising the importance of all modes of transport, their interdependencies and the needs of users, and
2. Provides a future transport planning framework that enables the development of an integrated transport network that supports the vision for Merimbula.
3.  Facilitated review of the 2015 Merimbula CBD Masterplan

Movement and Place

The study was based on the methodology and principles of the Movement and Place Framework. The framework recognises that it is important to understand place as well as movement before considering changes to either, because they are intrinsically linked.

The objective of the framework is to achieve roads and streets that:

• contribute to the network of public space within a location, where people can live healthy, productive lives, meet each other, interact and go about their daily activities
• are enhanced by transport and have the appropriate space allocation to move people and goods safely and efficiently and connect places together.

Documents on Exhibition

The Adopted Merimbula Transport Study Context Report outlines the project methodology including the classification of streets, and details the strategic context, relevant elements of place and movement, intersection performance, issues and opportunities as well as presenting the transport modelling and analysis results, and a consultation report.

The Adopted Merimbula Transport Study Recommendations Report includes the Traffic Analysis and detailed explanation of one-way CBD options, clarifies the objectives of the study and outlines:

• 5 recommendations to improve public areas, walking and cycling, public transport, roads and parking, and
• 4 transformative ideas for the town centre

Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan

The Merimbula Transport Study can be linked to key Strategies within Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2042.

• D.1 Plan for community infrastructure and services that will meet current and future needs
• D.2 Provide infrastructure and services to meet the needs of residents in our towns, villages and rural areas
• D.3 Improve the presentation, maintenance and physical accessibility of existing towns and villages
• D.6 Support sustainable and active transport through the transition to electric vehicles and development of paths and tracks for walking and cycling
• D.7 Advocate for better public transport options and improved highway connectivity
• D.8 Collaborate with relevant parties to grow the passenger numbers through key transport links at Merimbula Airport and Eden Port.

The Merimbula Transport Study assists in planning for the future so that we have opportunities to work, learn and socialise through the provision of affordable public transport and telecommunications services.

The Merimbula Transport study provided all transport stakeholders with the opportunity to be get involved and provided a chance to be heard during the multiple engagement stages for the community and stakeholders.

It will assist in the planning for an improved network of good quality roads, foot paths and cycleways connecting communities throughout the Shire and beyond.

Within the CSP, the Merimbula Transport Study also delivers on another key Strategy E.2:

Ensure the community has opportunities to actively engage and contribute in a a timely manner to the things that affect their daily lives using relevant and varied communication channels.