Proposed works

Council has developed a detailed improvement plan for the roundabout at Hamilton and Brantome streets in Gisborne - a key thoroughfare for the town. This will be funded through the Victorian Government's Safe Local Roads and Streets Program to enhance road safety. The program is a collaborative effort between local governments, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

The upgrades are designed to align with local priorities (including those outlined in the Gisborne Urban Design Framework and Gisborne Movement Network Study) while adopting a Safe System approach, which focuses on improving road safety by considering all elements of the road transport system and their interactions.

Included as part of this compact roundabout, Council proposes to construct a central island, three raised pedestrian crossings (wombat crossings) and a speed cushion, as shown in the preliminary drawing (click to expand) and overlaid map below (please note that the overlaid green design layer may appear slightly misaligned with the existing satellite imagery).

A concept plan of the proposed roundabout and associated improvements at the intersection of Brantome and Hamilton streets in Gisborne.

Benefits and impacts

By prioritising pedestrians in the designs, wombat crossings support the development of walkable communities where people can safely walk to work, to school, to shops, and to other destinations. This can improve users' overall quality of life and contribute to healthier, more sustainable urban environments.

Wombat crossings can be incorporated into the urban landscape as part of a broader effort to enhance streetscapes. They can be complemented with landscaping, paving, or other visual elements to make the area more attractive and pedestrian friendly.

Wombat crossings are an effective traffic-calming measure that help reduce speeding by physically forcing vehicles to slow down, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity such as near schools, parks, shopping centres, and residential areas.

The elevation of the crossing signals to drivers that they are entering a pedestrian zone, encouraging safer driving behaviour by prompting drivers to obey speed limits and exercise caution. This helps reduce the risk of accidents and creates a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Wombat crossings significantly improve pedestrian safety by increasing visibility. By elevating the pedestrian path above the road level, pedestrians become more noticeable to drivers and can be seen earlier, which reduces the risk of accidents.

Wombat crossings are typically designed to be accessible for people with mobility challenges, such as those using wheelchairs, strollers, or walking aids. The smooth transition between the road and the raised crossing ensures better access compared to traditional kerbed crossings.

The construction of the new compact roundabout with wombat crossings will result in a minor modification to the vehicle crossover located at the existing car park, as well as landscaping improvements and relocation of the street furniture around the intersection.

The works will not impact on any existing parking spaces.

July 2025 update

Thank you to all those who took the time to review and provide considered feedback on Council’s proposed road safety improvements projects in Gisborne, during community consultation in March/April 2025. We appreciate the strong engagement these proposals received – close to 80 submissions in total across the three proposals – and the sentiments around improving pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and streetscape enhancements.

  • For Project 1 (proposed roundabout/streetscape upgrades at Hamilton/Aitken streets), there was strong support from submitters around enhanced pedestrian safety, slower traffic speeds, and streetscape upgrades that reflect Gisborne’s character.
  • For Project 2 (proposed compact roundabout at Hamilton/Brantome streets), submitters welcomed improved traffic flow and safer school-time pedestrian movement, along with the inclusion of indigenous vegetation.
  • For Project 3 (area-wide speed reduction), there was clear majority support for lower speed limits to address growing safety concerns and protect vulnerable road users.

Key concerns across these proposals such as crossing locations, congestion, landscaping, and drainage have been carefully reviewed and addressed where practical, in consideration of technical guidelines and industry best practice.

Further communication, if required, will be provided to impacted residents/businesses as the projects progress.

  • Project 1 - expected to be delivered by end of 2025
  • Project 2 - planned to be completed by end of the 2025-26 financial year.
  • Project 3 - Council will now proceed with the implementation of the reduced limits, with signage planned to be installed in the near future (early 2026) once final approval is received from the Department of Transport and Planning as the speed zoning authority. These works are being delivered as part of the Victorian State Government funded Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.

Your input is greatly valued and continues to help shape safer, more accessible spaces in Gisborne. If you have any further questions on these proposals or how your individual submission was considered, contact the Engineering Services team at Engineeringservices@mrsc.vic.gov.au