“We don’t need more glossy strategies. We need action. Our kids deserve to be able to ride safely to school.” – Spotswood resident
From Altona North to Spotswood, residents are growing increasingly frustrated by Hobsons Bay City Council’s backtracking on promised walking and cycling infrastructure. Despite years of consultation, design work, and community input, several key projects are being scrapped, delayed, or significantly downgraded.
One of the most pressing concerns is the potential loss of the Hick Street connection — a quiet, car-free route that has linked Spotswood and South Kingsville for over 80 years. This path is used daily by children walking to school, families accessing kindergartens, people heading to local shops and cafes, and cyclists travelling to the train station or punt.
The future of this connection is now ‘uncertain.’ Council is considering an alternative crossing via Brunel Street, but this route is less direct and has not been properly consulted on. Meanwhile, another section of the path — from Stephenson Street to the rail line — is set to be removed when private land is developed into housing, and no replacement has been planned.
This comes as the local population is expected to more than double with new developments in Altona North. Transport studies for the precinct identified the Hick Street crossing as a key link in the broader walking and cycling network. Without it, locals may be forced to rely on cars, adding pressure to already strained roads.
More than 430 residents have signed a petition calling on Council to protect the Hick Street connection. The petition emphasises the need for walkable, bike-friendly neighbourhoods – especially at a time of climate urgency, rising car dependency, and community concern over child safety.
You can add your voice at: change.org/p/will-we-lose-hick-street-connection-between-spotty-and-south-kingsville
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time community expectations have been unmet. The Aloha Street connection in Altona North was also blocked by townhouse development, despite its potential as a key route. And while McLister Street was listed in Council’s strategic bike plans for decades, recent upgrades failed to include any cycling infrastructure — leaving a major gap near Spotswood Station.
Another disappointment is the ongoing saga of Birmingham Street. Since 2021, Council has committed to building separated pedestrian and bike paths as part of its flagship ‘Greenline’ active transport corridor. Residents attended workshops, made submissions, and even developed preferred designs with local group Better West. But in a surprise backflip, Council is now proposing a shared path instead — citing the lack of existing separated paths nearby.
Community members argue this is a missed opportunity. Shared paths often don’t work well for either cyclists or pedestrians, and they fail to provide the safety and accessibility needed for children, seniors, and people with mobility needs.
To be fair, building new infrastructure is complex and Council faces competing demands. But with flat terrain, compact neighbourhoods and a passionate, engaged community, Hobsons Bay is uniquely positioned to lead in active transport.
What’s needed now is clearer communication, genuine consultation, and follow-through on the commitments already made. Our community has put in the work. Now, it’s time for Council to do the same and ensure that we can all move safely and sustainably through the places we call home.
*Since this story went to print one of our readers, Desmond Devlin, received a letter from MP Melissa Horne stating: ”Australian Rail Track Corporation advise that there are no plans for the closure of the Hicks Street Spotswood railway crossing”.
The letter went on to say that she had followed up with VicTrack regarding the paved footpath between Stephenson and Birmingham Streets and that she will write on receipt of a response.
