The State Government has finalised the master plan for the new boulevard connecting Domain Gardens to Port Phillip Bay along Albert and Kerferd roads.
The plan, little changed from the 2023 draft, involves intensive landscaping along the north of Albert Park and in the centre median of Kerferd Road.
The original vision when the project was launched in 2018 was "to improve the cycling and pedestrian link between Domain Gardens and Port Phillip Bay ... and define a vision for a safe, pleasant and accessible route along Albert Road and Kerferd Road.”
This clear intention ended up on the rocks as the public consultation process lost its bearings and drifted aimlessly off course.
Although there will be positive upgrades to the section along Albert Road, the decision to omit Kerferd Road from the bike upgrade is scandalous.
None-the-less, as the route is a designated strategic cycling corridor, an upgrade will take place at some point. As the corridor is expansively wide, there is ample space for a practical, safe solution for riders and other users of the boulevard.
Traditional Custodians have named the $13M boulevard Yannawatpanhanna, meaning “go to water” in the Boon Wurrung language of the Bunurong people.
Some 350 new trees and more than 9000 square metres of woody meadows will bring colour and increase biodiversity links in the local area, according to the master plan.
The masterplan can be downloaded here. https://engage.vic.gov.au/shrinetosea
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