Community
22 May, 2026
Residents push for town connections
ALMOST 200 residents have voiced their thoughts in a community survey, united by a shared vision for safer active travel.
Residents from Bushfield and Woodford have expressed their feeling of “disconnection” from Warrnambool, despite only living a short distance from the town.
They say that for many children and young people there is currently no safe way to independently access school, sport, friends, beaches, shops, the pool or broader community activities unless they are driven by car or catch a bus.
While discussion has centre around road safety and infrastructure, one of the strongest messages to emerge from community feedback is that this is about far more than a bike path or road upgrade.
At its heart, this is about connection, accessibility, inclusion and planning for the future growth of the region.
The Hopkins Highway/Mortlake Road corridor is already a critical gateway into Warrnambool and an increasingly important growth corridor.
With growing residential areas, increasing sporting participation, school travel and active transport use, the need for safer access and improved planning will only continue to grow.
The community has also strongly expressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people to participate more independently in community life – whether that be accessing sport, school, recreation or social connection, safely and confidently.
Local resident Elise McKinnon, who has played an integral role in the push for further discussions on “connecting Warrnambool”, particularly for residents living in outlying areas, said it was vital that residents feel a sense of connection with each other and with all that Warrnambool has to offer.
“What has been particularly striking is how strongly this resonates with the wider community – not only with families living north of Warrnambool, but also with Warrnambool residents themselves, who recognise the importance of creating safer and more connected access for everyone as our city continues to grow,” she said.
“There is currently a lack of cycling and walking infrastructure that would serve the whole community.”
Among the many comments included in the community survey were:
“We are so close, yet completely disconnected without a car.”
“It feels isolating with no other way into town other than to drive.”
“The highway is far too dangerous for kids.”
“We are only seven kilometres from town and our kids are unable to get into town by themselves.”
“There is currently no way for adolescents to independently get into Warrnambool safely.”
“Many people believe that one of the most urgent priorities is the Mortlake Road/Bushfield corridor,” Elise said.
“It would also be great to have a safer, separated walking and cycling path connecting Bushfield, Woodford and Wangoom to Warrnambool for families, students and cyclists.”
She also believes a dedicated turning lane from Bushfield into Spring Flat Road was needed and would be well utilised.
Warrnambool resident Shaun King also voiced his concerns and thoughts.
“I have many friends that use the roadways in to Warrnambool to join us on rides,” he said.
“But I’m genuinely concerned for their safety every time and would love to see a safe route available for them and many others.”
Campbell Thompson said while Bushfield was a “thriving community” it was also one that felt isolated.
“It is four kilometres from Bridge Road to Wangoom Road. A substantial path linking us to Warrnambool is so overdue,” he said.
