Community engagement was designed to respond to significant pressure for change in the local area, given anticipated population growth including the Macaulay and Arden urban renewal areas in the City of Melbourne and Flemington Estate in the City of Moonee Valley. Consultation was intended to understand the needs of new and existing residents to ensure both councils and the Victorian Government can coordinate their strategies and reflect community expectations.

The Racecourse Road Strategic Improvements Discussion Paper was developed to inform engagement with the community and other stakeholders. This discussion paper outlined several proposed design principles and potential design opportunities to improve Racecourse Road as a place and destination, as well as a route for people travelling by foot, wheelchair, bicycle, scooter, public transport and motor vehicle.

Community consultation was held between 12 June and 10 July 2024.

An online survey was hosted on the Moonee Valley City Council engagement platform Your Say, with information on that platform and Participate Melbourne. Community members also had the option to provide feedback via email, phone call or in person at a Council customer service centre.

Two pop-ups were held near Racecourse Road (Flemington Library and Newmarket Station) to gain in-person feedback and increase awareness of the opportunity to provide feedback via the online survey.

A session was also held with the Flemington Traders Association at the Doutta Galla Hotel.

The majority of responses were from residents, particularly those living in Flemington, Kensington and Ascot Vale.

Feedback was also received via the online survey from people with another connection to Racecourse Road, such as visitors, workers and business owners.

Feedback was received from local traders at the session with the Flemington Traders Association.

727 responses were received via the online survey, in addition to one submission via email and other feedback received at in-person events.

Community feedback showed that all proposed Design Opportunities in the Discussion Paper were supported by a majority of respondents, ranging from 65 per cent to 90 per cent.

This feedback also showed which outcomes were most important for community, with the highest ranked Principles (in the Discussion Paper) being “Prioritise people”, “Green the street” and “Create a vibrant streetscape identity”.

Many respondents wanted greater priority to be given to people walking, riding and using public transport, as well as ensuring Racecourse Road is a comfortable, attractive and inclusive place for people. There was also strong support for more greening along the street to make it a more pleasant environment, and to make it a safer and more attractive retail environment. Some respondents were opposed to any changes that might impact the ability of people to drive to or through the area, pointing to existing levels of traffic congestion and particular reliance on car travel by some groups such as people with disabilities and families with children.

• 'I believe there is incredible potential for racecourse to be such a great place for people. To be able to walk down through all the amazing shops and restaurants without the constant blare of traffic 2 feet away would truly unlock something special in the area.'
• 'This is a neighbourhood centre surrounded by dense housing and well served by public transport and adjacent cycling links. If we can make it a nicer, safer place to spend time we improve many people's quality of life.'
• 'Racecourse road is an important place for the Kensington and Flemington community. But it currently feels like people are not prioritised in how it plans. Crossing roads and getting off the tram feels really scary. I have seen lots of near misses with cars almost running people over at the tram stop. I feel scared crossing roads there with my kids.'
• 'It is an ugly concrete mess today. We need green spaces. Some places to stop, take a seat like the area surrounding racecourse road. People & some atmosphere a good vibe rather than somewhere you don't want to be.'
• 'Racecourse Road is there to serve the people - of all ages and all abilities - as they grow and their needs change. It is not there to serve interest groups. Greening is important for the quality of the air we breathe, the shade it provides, and the calming impact it has on its surroundings. By its very name - public transport – says it all: it's there for all to use.'
• 'Cycling and public transport infrastructure should be prioritised to support a growing and sustainable community. Specifically racecourse road is a key east-west connection for cycling and currently does not adequately link bike lanes from the road to Capital City Trail/Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.'
• 'Creating more amenable space for pedestrians (including those with disabilities, via proper universal access and design) and cyclists is the highest priority we should have for any street.'

Community feedback on the draft Principles in the Discussion Paper informed changes to and the ordering of Principles in the final SIP. This includes a strong focus on improving place and greening, not just transport related outcomes.

Strong support for all proposed Design Interventions in the Discussion Paper has informed the bold direction for change in the final Strategic Improvements Plan, re-balancing the street towards active and public transport modes as well as a greater focus on making it a great place and not just a traffic corridor.

Both councils have now endorsed the Racecourse Road Strategic Improvements Plan and will write to the Minister for Public and Active Transport.

Both councils will work together on a joint Implementation Plan that will provide more detail on council actions and advocacy priorities to the Victorian Government.

Actions within the council’s responsibility will include honouring Country, greening, street lighting, street activation, street furniture, parking management, footpath improvements, and wayfinding.

Advocacy priorities include asking the Victorian Government to upgrade tram stops to meet legislated accessibility requirements, outcomes (e.g. safety and improved interchange) to be delivered through tram stop upgrades, separated cycling lanes to be provided along Racecourse Road, and a review of speed limits and traffic signals.