The tide has turned from three years ago when "a majority" of people thought the speed limit in Auburn Street should be reduced to 40km/h.
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A second round of community consultation has so far panned the proposal, flagged by Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
The council sought feedback in response to a Transport for NSW recommendation. It had applied to the authority to not just reduce the Auburn Street speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h between Clinton and Bradley Streets but also the load limit to 15 tonnes. The latter was aimed at removing heavy vehicles from the high pedestrian area.
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General manager Warwick Bennett said 20 submissions had been received in response to a social media callout for comment.
"It is a more robust process (than in 2019) and I'm delighted the community has given some very constructive feedback," he said.
"All 20 submissions oppose the 40km/h and the majority of feedback on Facebook is opposed to 40km/h and the 15 tonne load limit. Some feel it would restrict food and other deliveries. It is giving us food for thought."
Mr Bennett will compile a report for councillors when all comments are received.
The consultation is open until Sunday, August 29 at 5pm.
The council has explored the possibility on several occasions. Its CBD master plan proposed the reduction to to 40km/h in the CBD. When put to public comment in early 2019, 98 people agreed and 52 disagreed. Many said it was difficult to exceed this limit anyway.
Then, in late 2019, Bitzios Consulting reviewed crash data, traffic volumes and speeds within the central area.
The study showed that out of the 72 crashes in the area bordered by Bourke, Bradley, Sloane and Clinton between 2013 and 2018, 10 involved pedestrians. Six of these were in Auburn Street.
Staff recommended 40km/h be applied to the entire area. However councillors instead decided to apply to the Roads and Maritime Service for the 40km/h zone only in Auburn Street, between Clinton and Bradley Streets.
Now Transport for NSW (formerly RMS) has asked for wider consultation as part of this process.
Mr Bennett said evidence showed that reducing the speed limit by 10km/h significantly reduced the risk of fatalities.
"One issue I'm always thinking about is how to improve the 'shopability' of Auburn Street and making it a really attractive place so people don't go to Canberra," he said.
"Reducing the speed limit and getting rid of trucks is, in my opinion, a step towards doing that but it is not fully supported at this time."
Mayor Bob Kirk maintained the average speed limit would be closer to 40km/h anyway
"...I think there is benefit in formalising this as part of a high pedestrian activity zone," he said.
"This will make it a safer place for pedestrians, from our young children through to our elderly residents who all use the area for their essential services and shopping.
"A 15t load limit will not keep all semi-trailers and heavy traffic out of the area, but our goal is to discourage these road users from coming through the centre of our CBD, and instead to use Sloane Street."
But Goulburn man and former member of the CBD future car parking working group, Barry McDonald, opposes the lower speed.
"I remember when it used to be a 60 speed limit decades ago," he said.
"Having varying speed limits in town is confusing. The current standard 50km/h speed limit for NSW built up areas is adequate and should be continued.
"Most Goulburn motorists and visitors to Auburn Street are quite sensible and probably only reach 40kmh along Auburn Street CBD zone anyway so just leave it alone.
"It's bad enough traveling in other towns with unnecessary 40kmh limits. They often have speed cameras (fixed, mobile or police) to cash in on unsuspecting motorists who might be traveling over 40km/h during empty street times. I get very cynical about this when I see it and I don't want it to come to Goulburn."
However Mr McDonald did agree with the 15t load limit in Auburn Street, provided there were exemptions for vehicles delivering to businesses or worksites that were over this weight.
In related news, the council's bid to swap Auburn Street's state road status with Sloane Street is caught up in the state government's wider road reclassification review.
The organisation, along with many other councils, has asked for several roads to be reclassified.
Mr Bennett said there were "good vibes" that the swap would happen but an answer wasn't likely before Christmas.
People can lodge feedback on the Auburn Street reduced speed and weight limit via email to council@goulburn.nsw.gov.au or by mail to Locked Bag 22, Goulburn, NSW, 2580. Submissions should be titled 'Auburn Street Pedestrian Zone.'
Comments can also be lodged via the council website at www.goulburn.nsw.gov.au/Services/Roads-Footpath/CBD-Pedestrian-Zone
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
