Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton look to improve main streetscape

The potential new pedestrian crossings would be built on Brooke Street near Loader and Verdon streets, while a pedestrian crossing near the IGA supermarket would be formalised.

Smythesdale residents have been lobbying for more accessible street pedestrian crossings for some time, saying it is dangerous to walk cross the major highway, the Glenelg Highway.

Concept designs for the Golden Plains Shire Council's northern streetscapes project includes Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton.

The designs are based on six pillars from themes highlighted by the community, including road function, parking, pedestrian safety and access, street trees and furniture, place marking and character, and maintenance.

Potential upgrades and changes highlighted in the concept designs include increasing accessible street crossing areas, modification of parking arrangements, installation of public art features and town banners, street tree succession planning, planting of additional roadside vegetation and road safety improvements.

Golden Plains Shire Council mayor Helena Kirby said said the project would deliver beautification upgrades to enhance the character of the three town centres that form the northern corridor of Golden Plains Shire along the Glenelg Highway, popular with residents and visitors travelling in and out of Ballarat.

"Council is very pleased to deliver the northern streetscapes project and we thank the communities in Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton for their input during the first round of engagement earlier this year," Cr Kirby said.

"We're now looking forward to hearing feedback from those communities on the concept designs for the upgraded streetscapes."

"This is an exciting project that will beautify the streetscapes of three of our northern townships, and we are pleased to be working closely with the communities in these townships to ensure the streetscape upgrades make the greatest improvement for local residents and visitors."

The council has secured a $650,000 funding commitment from the Berrybank Wind Farm for the first stage of the project with works to begin in late 2021.

Residents are encouraged to provider feedback on the concept designs for Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton by 11.59pm on Tuesday, December 14.

The survey can be completed online at the council's 'have your say' page.

For more information on the northern streetscapes project, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.

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