Geelong could have a permanent rainbow crossing in the CBD that celebrates the city’s LGBTQIA+ communities.
Council is inviting community feedback on the proposal on the “new, eye-catching addition to Geelong’s streetscape”.
The City said the crossing would acknowledge diversity and inclusivity in a fun and colourful way that also serves a practical purpose as a road crossing.
Several potential locations have been identified based on feedback received from the Geelong rainbow community, while safety and visual appeal have also been taken into account.
While some of the crossings under consideration have traffic lights others are simply zebra crossings.
The crossing locations under consideration are:
• Malop Street crossing – between Market Square and Westfield (traffic lights)
• Yarra Street underpass pedestrian crossing (traffic lights)
• Malop Street crossing – near Clare Street (traffic lights)
• Fenwick Street pedestrian crossing – near Johnstone Park (zebra crossing)
• Western Beach Road pedestrian crossing – opposite The Novotel (zebra crossing)
• Western Beach Road pedestrian crossing – opposite Cunningham Pier (zebra crossing)
• Gheringhap Street pedestrian crossing – opposite Deakin (zebra crossing)
Councillor Sarah Mansfield, Chair of the Diversity, Inclusion & LGBTIQ+ portfolio welcomed the initiative as a positive step forward in the City’s journey to becoming a more inclusive community.
“The planned crossing will be a vibrant and colourful representation of our region’s support of the local rainbow community and continue to celebrate its local LGBTQIA+ communities,” Councillor Mansfield said.
“Education and understanding are important for all members of the community to consider, and we recognise in this initiative an opportunity to promote equality and visibility.”
Community engagement is being sought over a four-week consultation period.
A Have Your Say Page (yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/rcc) will be open until Monday August 1.
