Council eyes redesign of dangerous Vermont South roundabout but unsure on price tag

On any given school morning, students, parents, or disabled members of the community looking to cross a roundabout in Vermont South are forced to walk into the path of traffic.

⚠️ An intersection in need of change: The roundabout – located at the intersection of Mullens and Stanley roads – has become the focus of Whitehorse council as it investigates the best approach to making the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Livingstone Primary School and Emmaus College students and their families navigate the roundabout every day, but must contend with reduced visibility and often fast-moving traffic when deciding when and where to cross.

Whitehorse Council staff have begun weighing up options towards a “sensible redesign” of the roundabout, taking into account the cost of any project and the reduction of risk.

Considering all options: Whitehorse councillor Jarrod Gunn brought a motion to the council meeting on Monday September 8 to seek a report on the current condition of the roundabout as well as what works may be required to redesign the roundabout to reduce safety risks.

💲 Cost concerns: Councillor Gunn said advice he received from council staff indicated a complete rebuild would be too costly and he was “not sure such a heavy-handed response is the best solution”.

🗣️“Due to the topography and design of the existing road furniture, especially along Mullens Road, a simple solution is not possible as the gradient does not allow for a disability compliant crossing without major engineering or financial investment.”

“What I’m seeking are options because currently it is do nothing or spend a quarter of a million dollars on a rolled gold rebuild.”

💰 Hope for next year’s budget: The Eastern Melburnian understands council staff would work on bringing a report back to council in time for any proposed works to be budgeted for in the 2026/27 budget.