Council backs push for major Racecourse Rd upgrades

The City of Melbourne will step up its campaign to see Racecourse Rd transformed, after councillors unanimously endorsed an amended advocacy plan for the busy inner north-west corridor.

At its July 15 Future Melbourne Committee meeting, the council backed a six-point motion moved by Lord Mayor Nick Reece that commits to working with the Moonee Valley City Council and lobbying the Victorian Government for urgent safety and accessibility upgrades.

The Racecourse Road Strategic Improvements Plan (RRSIP) – developed jointly by the two councils and endorsed last year – sets out a long-term vision to make the road safer, greener, and more welcoming for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users, while retaining its identity as a vibrant high street.

“We’ve worked closely with Moonee Valley City Council to shape a bold, long-term vision that prioritises safety and accessibility. We will redouble our efforts to advocate to the Victorian Government for investment in this shared vision – and I’m confident we’ll see real progress.”

The 1.8-kilometre road, which carries more than 30,000 vehicles a day, doubles as an arterial freight route, tram corridor and a Victorian Government-designated strategic cycling corridor. Many of the most pressing upgrades – such as accessible tram stops, separated bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and reducing truck strikes on the Newmarket Station bridge – fall under state control.

The council’s advocacy plan calls for:

• A shared vision with the state government for the corridor’s future.
• Immediate safety measures such as raised crossings, reduced speed limits, and bike lane safety improvements.
• Long-term upgrades including widened footpaths, accessible tram stops and separated bike lanes.

The Victorian Government has indicated it is unlikely to commit to a new corridor vision until the West Gate Tunnel and Metro Tunnel projects are complete. In the meantime, the City of Melbourne will progress minor improvements, including street greening and tree planting, and report back to the community in early 2026 or within six months of the West Gate Tunnel opening.

For some community members, the council’s stance doesn’t go far enough. Kensington Association chair Dr Kate Kennedy said while the plan identified the right problems, its framing as “advocacy” rather than shared responsibility for delivery “loses purpose, urgency and public accountability.”

Dr Kennedy called for the plan to be renamed the “implementation and advocacy plan", and that it require regular public reporting, explicitly state that the RRSIP’s core purpose is “to reduce the risk of death and injury”, and establish an ongoing community and trader reference group.

Racecourse Rd is expected to see significant population and traffic growth in the coming years, driven by Arden and Macaulay urban renewal, the redevelopment of public housing towers, and other major projects.

“The future of Racecourse Rd is vital to the future of Melbourne’s inner north-west,” Cr Reece said. “I want to thank the community for their insights and involvement in this important project as we work to secure a vibrant future for Racecourse Rd.” •