REDLAND City Council has adopted a 20-year transport blueprint for Cleveland, setting out a long-term vision aimed at improving safety, accessibility and connectivity as the centre prepares for significant growth.
The Cleveland Centre Local Area Transport Plan (LATP) 2026-2046 was endorsed at the Council’s General Meeting on June 17 and will guide future transport planning and investment across the Cleveland centre over the next two decades.
The plan focuses on creating a safer, more connected and walkable environment while improving access to jobs, services, businesses and the waterfront precinct.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the strategy would help shape how people move around Cleveland as the population grows and travel demand increases.
“The vision for Cleveland’s transport future is to provide better access through a wider range of travel options,” Cr Talty said.
“The LATP identifies the transport improvements needed to support the centre’s revitalisation, accommodate future population growth, and create a more accessible and connected destination for workers, residents, business and visitors.
“Based on technical studies and extensive community feedback gathered over several years, the plan highlights the need for safer and more direct walking and cycling routes, as well as streets that better support public transport and local access.”
Council figures show about 86 per cent of trips to Cleveland are currently made by private vehicle, with the number of journeys to and through the centre expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years.
The LATP seeks to address those challenges by encouraging greater use of alternative transport options while maintaining access for motorists.
“At present, around 86 per cent of trips to Cleveland are made by private vehicle, and the number of trips to and through the centre is expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years,” Cr Talty said.
“While all transport modes are considered in the plan, the focus is on improving safety, connectivity and travel choice across the network.”
The strategy identifies a range of future initiatives, including improved pedestrian connections, expanded cycling links, safer street crossings and enhancements to support public transport access.
Cr Talty said public transport would remain a key component of the city’s future transport network.
“Council will continue to advocate for improved public transport services, while also improving local access to those services through safer and more connected walking and cycling links,” she said.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the plan recognised the ongoing importance of private vehicles while seeking to provide residents with more transport choices.
“The plan recognises that private vehicles will continue to play an important role, particularly for some trips, and does not seek to restrict car use. Instead, it focuses on providing more travel options and improving how people move to and within the centre,” Cr Mitchell said.
