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).

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.

Have your say

Feedback is currently invited until until Sunday 20 April 2025.

There are a number of ways you can share your feedback about the proposed works.

Attend a drop-in session

  • Monday 7 April 2025 - 5:30-7:30pm at Council's Gisborne Administration Centre (120 Robertson Road, Gisborne)

Make an online submission

Fill out the online submission form below.