A transport strategy is a long-term plan that helps Council manage and improve the transport system to meet the needs of our growing and changing community. It guides how we plan, maintain and invest in transport infrastructure and services, making it easier and safer for people to move around.

The strategy is informed by data, best-practice planning principles and feedback from the community. It considers the transport challenges faced by residents, visitors and businesses, identifies opportunities for improvement, and sets out a clear direction for future investment and decision-making.

Our Integrated Transport Strategy will guide Council's transport priorities over the next decade, helping create a safer, more connected and accessible transport network for everyone. An accompanying action plan will outline the specific projects and initiatives that will support delivery of the strategy.

Our community is growing, and that means more people using our streets, footpaths and public spaces.

As our population increases, there will be greater demand on our transport network, increased competition for on-street parking and a need for more spaces where people can meet, shop, access services and participate in community life.

Because street space is limited, we need to plan our transport network well to make sure it works for everyone, whether they are walking, riding, driving or using public transport. Without careful planning, increased demand can lead to congestion, increasing emissions, safety issues and reduced access to the places people need to go.

Since the adoption of the previous ITS in 2018, COVID-19 has changed the way we live and travel, and the 2026 global fuel shortage has highlighted the need to ensure our transport system is more resilient to rising fuel costs and cost of living pressures.

Significant changes have also occurred in State planning policy, including Fisherman’s Bend and updates to housing targets and parking requirements.

With these changes come the need to provide improved transport options for our growing community and fairly manage the demand for on-street parking.

Port Phillip’s Roadmap to Zero: Safe Travel Strategy and Action Plan 2026-31 will support Port Phillip’s goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050, in line with the Australian and Victorian Government targets. The Roadmap to Zero will deliver the goals of the Integrated Transport Strategy related to safety.

The Integrated Transport Strategy will consider our broad transport goals and priorities that include health, sustainability and managing growth, in addition to safety. These will be aimed at creating a connected and reliable transport system to make sure Port Phillip remains a great place to live, work and visit.

Council is responsible for managing local roads, paths, crossings, parking, kerbside space and some bus shelters.

State Government manages major roads and public transport infrastructure. Council can advocate for improvements to our major transport network, however the State Government ultimately decides what projects will be delivered.

Transport operators such as Metro Trains, Yarra Trams and bus companies run public transport services. They maintain services and manage disruptions.

Cars are an important way for some people to meet their everyday needs and will remain a key consideration when planning our transport system.

The Integrated Transport Strategy will improve the safety and connectivity of our transport network for everyone, regardless of how they travel. By improving the transport options available to our community, we’ll make our streets safer and less congested for those who need to drive.

Community input will play a key role in shaping the Strategy. We want to hear from everyone who walks, wheels, cycles, drives or uses public transport in our city. Share your views on how transport should evolve as the City of Port Phillip grows by completing one of the activities online or speaking with us in person before 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December 2026.

Following this stage of engagement, Council will convene a deliberative community working group in March 2027. The group will help inform a draft vision, principles and priorities that will underpin the Strategy. These will be informed by:

• the outcomes in the Plan for Port Phillip
• community feedback from our broad stage of engagement
• community need
• best practice principles and legislative requirements

You can complete an expression of interest to be a part of that process using this link.

After we meet with community working group next year, we will take all feedback to date and information from key stakeholders such as the State Government, Emergency Services and public transport providers and use it to draft Integrated Transport Strategy.

Once it’s drafted there will be one last opportunity to provide feedback on the vision, principles and priorities within the Strategy before it is presented to Council for adoption.