Warrnambool City Council voted 4-3 to implement the works.

The decision was made on Monday at the council’s monthly meeting – its first since the formation of the new council.

Councillor Mike Neoh moved the motion and added an additional recommendation that council review the speed zones, including the school time speed zone areas.

Councillors Kylie Gaston, Robert Anderson, David Owen and Neoh voted for the motion, while Peter Hulin, Tony Herbert and Sue Cassidy voted against.

The Jamieson Street project is fully funded as part of the Federal Black Spot Program to a value of $96,200.

Works were delayed on the roundabout after concerns were raised during community consultation sessions, resulting in a re-design.

Following feedback from the bicycle reference group, the revised layout includes geometry changes through delineation of narrowed approaches and an increased central island, line marking of bicycle lanes on all legs and bicycle ‘sharrow’ symbols at the roundabout approaches, and new cycle lane signage at the approaches of the roundabout. 

Cr Neoh said reviewing the speed zones would create consistency.

“You could potentially stretch out the school speed zones too before the roundabout,” he said.

Cr Hulin said his concern was with the infrastructure that was being put into the roundabout. 

He sourced an 88-page report from a bicycle expert and said he was disappointed it was not distributed to his fellow councillors.

He said more definite lanes were needed to slow traffic down.

Cr Herbert said he struggled to make a decision he was comfortable with.

“I would be far more comfortable making a decision if I had some more expert opinion, which I think probably lacks a little bit in the report,” he said.

Work will begin at the start of next year.