THAT COUNCIL
1. Notes that the assets on Austin Street are generally rated in good to satisfactory condition and that, based on asset age, current condition and expected asset lifecycles, no major renewal works are currently required or recommended within the next 10 years.
2. Notes that increasing the frequency of cleansing beyond current service levels is unlikely to address the broader concerns relating to activation, safety, perceived safety and how the street is used.
3. Notes that significant improvements to the functionality, amenity and level of service of Austin Street would require streetscape upgrade works and the allocation and prioritisation of New and Upgrade funding.
4. Notes the Public Lighting and Electrical Asset Management Plan identified the renewal of the existing wall-mounted street lighting as a priority. Detailed design is currently underway, with delivery of the upgrade planned for completion during the 2026/27 financial year.
5. Notes that there are currently no major streetscape upgrades planned for Austin Street, with Council’s available upgrade funding within the Long-Term Financial Plan currently allocated to existing strategic priorities, including the Main Street Revitalisation Program, City Public Realm Greening Program and Park Lands Community Building Program.
6. Requests the Administration to complete the Austin Street lighting upgrade, designed to address residents’ safety concerns, by June 2027.
7. Requests that, as part of the detailed design of the lighting upgrade already underway, Administration have regard to pedestrian safety, perceived safety, passive surveillance, identified dark spots and resident concerns, including lighting coverage along the length of Austin Street and the Arcade entrance, and consider whether any appropriate interim lighting measures can be accommodated within the existing project scope and budget. Priority safety issues identified through this work should be addressed as soon as practicable within existing budgets and delegations.
8. Requests the Administration to work with residents, traders and property owners to deliver low-cost improvements to the safety and presentation of the Austin Street precinct within existing budgets, and to report back to Council Members by 31 January 2027.
9. Requests the Administration to present costed options to address the concerns raised by Austin Street residents and traders, including smaller staged improvements and a concept design, at the next 2026/27 quarterly budget review, as required by Part 3 of the Council decision of 28 July 2026.