South Gippsland Shire Council says it is set to transform the pedestrian experience in multiple South Gippsland towns, including Foster, Sandy Point and Venus Bay, with a series of road safety upgrades funded through a $2 million grant from the Transport Accident Commission.
The works form part of the broader Safer Local Roads and Streets Project, which targets seven locations across South Gippsland. Foster's Main Street is among the highest priorities, with upgrades that the Shire says are designed to make the busy shopping precinct safer and more walkable for everyone.
Under the plan, raised pedestrian zebra crossings will be installed at the intersection of Main Street and Station Street — between the Exchange Hotel and IGA — as well as at the existing crossing near Pearl Park. The existing zebra crossing on Main Street will also be upgraded, supported by road cushions to encourage drivers to reduce their speed through the precinct.
Mayor Cr Nathan Hersey said the project reflects concerns that Council has heard directly from the community.
"These projects are about protecting everyone who uses our roads — whether you're a motorist, on a bike, or a pedestrian. We know that improvements like safer crossings, appropriate speed limits, traffic calming, signage and better traffic flow can make a real difference on our local roads."
Reaction to the proposed works has been mixed, though many residents say change is long overdue. Foster business owner Col Pulham has been among the most vocal advocates for action. "We have been fighting for traffic management changes for twenty years, and so far we have a pedestrian crossing that a number of people have gone very close to being hit," he said on the Prom Coast News' social media pages. "Flashing lights and a raised platform are a great investment in pedestrian safety."
Jess Johnston welcomed the works but flagged a gap in the plan, calling for an additional crossing on Pioneer Street for school children. Julia Merrington offered a note of caution, urging Council to ensure a speedy transition that maintains on-street parking, and to avoid a repeat of what she described as the lengthy and disruptive works at Fish Creek that are still a bone of contention in the neighbouring town.
The project also extends to two other Prom Coast locales—Sandy Point and Venus Bay—where summer holiday traffic has long plagued residents and holiday makers.
In Sandy Point, the centrepiece of the works will be a series of mini-roundabouts installed at strategic locations along Telopea Drive, The Boulevard and Ennisvale Avenue. The roundabouts are designed to break up the continuity of through roads, prompting drivers to slow down and pay closer attention to their surroundings — including pedestrians sharing the roads.
Complementing the roundabouts will be road cushions, improved pedestrian separation near the main parking area, an upgraded crossing between the shops and the main beach entry, and a reduction of the entry speed limit on Telopea Drive from 80km/h to 50km/h. Council has also committed to minimising any lighting impact on Sandy Point's dark skies, with plans to use low-wattage, warm-toned lights and investigate smart dimming technology.
Venus Bay presents a different challenge. The town is geographically large, with Lees Road stretching more than nine kilometres, and the heavily vegetated road environment can make it easy for drivers to lose track of their speed in what is, in fact, a residential area. A petition signed by 339 residents in July 2025 called on Council to act, and this project is its response.
Road cushions will be distributed along Lees Road and Canterbury Road through all three estates, with gateway treatments at either end of the so-called "Mad Mile" to signal to drivers that they are entering a residential zone. As with Sandy Point, lighting will be kept to a minimum and designed to have as little impact as possible on the town's dark skies.
Construction timing is yet to be confirmed. Residents and community members are encouraged to view the interactive project map and share their feedback at www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/slrs.
