Castlemaine CBD Road and Safety Strategy

  • Project typeSafety strategy
  • Project scheduleCompleted - Final Strategy being considered for adoption by Council
View of Mostyn and Hargraves Streets intersection, Castlemaine

Mount Alexander Shire Council has developed a Road Safety Strategy for Castlemaine CBD to improve pedestrian, cyclist and traffic safety within the heart of Castlemaine. The CBD is a vibrant and busy area that attracts both locals and visitors, offering a wide range of shopping, dining and cultural experiences.

With increasing traffic volumes and growing demand for safer, more accessible streets, Council has identified the need for a comprehensive analysis of existing traffic conditions and road user behaviour.

The project was funded through the TAC Local Government Grant Program, which supports initiatives aligned with the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 and Safe System principles. The strategy will identify infrastructure improvements, traffic management measures and speed‑limit recommendations to reduce crash risk and improve safety for vulnerable road users.

Council appointed Bitzios Consulting to prepare the Castlemaine CBD Road Safety Strategy. The project has now been completed, with the final strategy developed through detailed traffic analysis, movement assessments and engagement with key stakeholders throughout the project.

The final report and action plan have been completed and will be presented to Council for consideration and adoption at a Council meeting in late 2026. Following adoption, the strategy will guide future road safety improvements and investment priorities within the Castlemaine CBD.

Strategy considerations

The strategy will examine a range of issues affecting safety and movement within the Castlemaine CBD, including:

  • traffic flows and congestion patterns
  • pedestrian and cyclist movement through key streets and intersections
  • suitability and effectiveness of existing pedestrian crossing points
  • opportunities for traffic calming
  • speed limits and driver behaviour
  • infrastructure gaps contributing to elevated safety risks.

The strategy will also explore concept designs and potential interventions to improve accessibility, reduce vehicle speeds and create safer crossing opportunities across the CBD.

Community consultation

Community consultation for the strategy was undertaken in June–July 2024 through a combination of online and in‑person engagement activities. Consultation methods included:

  • online engagement via Shape Mount Alexander
  • an online survey
  • an online interactive mapping tool
  • three in‑person community drop‑in sessions (approx. 70 participants)
  • focused stakeholder engagement
  • a walk‑through/meeting with a community group
  • submissions via Council’s listening post email
  • advertising through social media, news outlets and pamphlets distributed to local businesses.

During the engagement period, Council received:

  • 169 comments for potential road improvements from 78 people
  • 189 map pins with associated comments from 88 people
  • 2 email submissions
  • feedback from one community walk‑through session

The feedback received across all engagement activities was consistent, highlighting concerns about pedestrian safety, crossing opportunities, traffic speeds and the need for improved cycling connections.

For further information please visit Shape Mount Alexander. 

Contact details

Kerrie Eldridge, Principle Project Engineer
03 5471 1700
info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

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