Bass Coast Shire Council is rolling out a series of speed limit updates across the region as part of a statewide approach to improving road safety.
These changes have been developed in line with Victorian speed zoning guidelines and follow the required process, including consultation with Victoria Police and the Department of Transport and Planning, and final approval from the Minister.
Council acknowledges that community members may have questions about how these changes were communicated. Speed limit reviews are governed by state guidelines and are not subject to traditional consultation processes. Instead, they follow an established approach focused on technical assessment and agency input, consistent across Victoria.
The updates are guided by the Safe System approach, which underpins Victoria's road safety strategy and aims to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads as part of the "Towards Zero" vision.
A key component of the current rollout is Stage 2 of the Phillip Island speed review, which focuses on rural unsealed roads. This work has been supported by a range of stakeholders, including the Department of Transport and Planning, Victoria Police, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Wildlife Victoria. As well as improving safety for drivers, these changes aim to reduce wildlife road trauma, an important issue for the Island.
Council is also introducing area-wide speed limits in some locations. These are permitted under Victorian legislation and allow speed limits to be applied across a defined precinct, rather than road by road. While new to Bass Coast, area speed limits are widely used across Australia and support a more consistent and safer driving environment. All area speed zones have received Ministerial approval.
In addition, "drive to the conditions" signage is being installed on unsealed roads alongside regulatory speed signs. These signs remind motorists that speed limits represent a maximum, and that drivers should always adjust their speed based on road, weather and traffic conditions.
Council will continue to work closely with state agencies to ensure road safety improvements are delivered in line with best practice.
