Working for change

Victoria Walks has been invited onto a number of key Government advisory committees and reference groups relevant to creating walkable communities and increasing the health of Victorians.

Wherever possible, Victoria Walks makes submissions to relevant Victorian, National and Local Government policy processes, some of which we have posted on our Submissions page.

We are members of a variety of local, state and international advocacy forums and associations.

Plan for a Walkable Melbourne

Victoria Walks is closely involved in the ongoing debate on a new Metropolitan Planning Strategy.

We developed our Plan for a Walkable Melbourne in response to the government discussion paper Melbourne Let's Talk About the Future.  The Plan for a Walkable Melbourne sets out a range of measures that could create a walking city.  For more information see our news item and media release.

The Government is expected to release a draft Metropolitan Planning Strategy in mid 2013.  Victoria Walks will continue to push for walking to be a key element of the strategy.

Victorian Pedestrian Advisory Council

Victoria Walks was the leading voice advocating for a Victorian Pedestrian Advisory Council (VPAC).

VPAC was established by the Victorian Government in 2012 to: provide an ongoing forum for the consideration of ways to increase walking; explore ways to increase the sustainability and efficiency of the transport system by increasing walking in the transport system; and explore ways to increase Victorian Physical Activity levels through walking, particularly utilitarian walking, such as walking the kids to school or walking to the shops.

The VPAC is jointly chaired by the Department of Transport and VicHealth and consists of representatives from the following organisations:

  • Victoria Walks
  • The Heart Foundation (Vic)
  • Council on the Aging (Vic)
  • Municipal Association Victoria
  • Victorian Local Government Association
  • City of Port Phillip, City of Manningham, City of Greater Dandenong and Rural City of Ararat
  • Department of Planning and Community Development
  • Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
  • Department of Health
  • VicRoads
  • Victoria Police

Principal Pedestrian Networks Demonstration Project

This demonstration project involves the development of Principal Pedestrian Networks (PPN) at four locations in Melbourne and Geelong. With funding from the Australian Government's Liveable Cities Program, the Victorian Department of Transport (DoT) is working with four local councils (Booroondara, Frankston, Geelong and Yarra Ranges), Victoria Walks and Melbourne University on a practical demonstration of a new method to support walking as a transport option.
 
Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN) methodology developed by DoT is a new approach to ensure pedestrians are appropriately prioritised in transport planning and investment. The PPN process involves mapping out and planning for a higher quality walking environment on key routes to local activity centres such as shops and schools and to transport hubs. Victoria Walks was involved in the devlopment of the PPN methodology.

Station User Panel

Railway Station Useability Principles

The Station User Panel (2011-2012) was established by the Department of Transport to advise on how train station development and redevelopment projects can better reflect the expectations of users and communities, and enhance the places in which they are located.

The SUP developed Railway Station Useability Principles to improve people's experience of the railway system.

SUP consists of representatives from the following organisations:

  • Hume City Council (Independent Chair)
  • Bicycle Network Victoria
  • Council on the Ageing
  • Public Transport Users Association
  • Victorian Council of Social Service
  • Victoria Police
  • Victoria Walks
  • Youth Affairs Council of Victoria
  • Department of Transport

Pedestrian Access Strategy

Pedestrian Access Strategy

Victoria Walks sat on both the Working Group and Steering Group for the development of the Department of Transport's Pedestrian Access Strategy: A strategy to increase walking for transport in Victoria 2010

The Pedestrian Access Strategy was developed under the previous Victorian Government as a  vision for a more pedestrian-friendly transport system for Victorians. The aim of the strategy is to encourage more Victorians to walk, especially for short trips.

Hoddle Street Study Stakeholder Advisory Group (VicRoads)

Victoria Walks sat on the Hoddle Street Study Stakeholder Advisory Group (VicRoads) that was established to inform the planning of Hoddle Street to ensure current and emerging issues are considered in the development of options. Unfortunately, HSSSAG is not currently sitting.

Advocacy and interest groups

Victoria Walks is:

  • A voting member of, and represents Australia on, the International Federation of Pedestrians (IFP) which was founded in 1963 as the umbrella organization for national pedestrian advocacy groups.
  • An associate member of the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) which is an advocacy group comprising members from Melbourne metropolitan local government, associate members representing transport companies, and participants from the State Government and environment groups.
  • A member of the Safe Speed Interest Group which comprises the Heart Foundation, Victoria Walks, City of Darebin, Baw Baw Shire, Deakin University and other Victorian Councils. The main purpose of the group is promoting vehicle speeds which prioritise the needs of pedestrians and cyclists in urban environments where active transport is a viable option.