Councils join to launch toolkit to create happier, healthier Open Streets around schools
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Merri-bek and Kingston city councils have today launched a toolkit to help other local councils and schools across Australia create safer, more welcoming streets around schools.
Developed from five years of experience delivering School Open Streets programs, the School Open Streets Guide and Toolkit for Australian Local Governments provides practical advice, resources and proven approaches to support councils looking to establish their own initiatives.
Pioneered in 2021 in Melbourne’s inner north, the Open Streets initiative creates temporary car-free spaces around schools during drop-off and pick-up times. A simple idea with powerful results, Open Streets transforms busy school streets into safer, more welcoming places for active travel, play and community connection.
Across the country, councils that have delivered Open Streets have seen 20 percent more walking and riding, 80 percent of families perceiving the street to feel safer, and 88 percent of families wanting to see Open Streets held more often following a pilot.
The toolkit was officially launched this morning at a monthly Open Street at Coburg North Primary School, the first school in the country to transition to School-led Open Streets in 2023 in partnership with Merri-bek City Council – where, rather than an annual event, Open Streets can run more regularly facilitated by local parent volunteers.
The toolkit brings together the experiences and lessons learned from Merri-bek and Kingston city councils, both of which have pioneered their own approaches. By sharing practical resources and lessons learned, the guide is designed to help councils across Australia introduce their own Open Streets programs and create safer, more people-friendly streets around schools.
The guide outlines two complementary delivery models:
- Council-led Open Streets – provides step-by-step guidance for councils establishing and delivering their first Open Streets initiative.
- School-led Open Streets – supports councils to transition towards an ongoing model managed by volunteers, empowering schools and local communities to take greater ownership of program delivery over time.
Merri-bek City Council has held 120 Open Streets days over the last five years, with 85 of these led by school volunteers. This guide and toolkit are designed to scale the program across the country so other councils can take part in the movement.
Merri-bek City Council Mayor Nat Abboud said the toolkit would help councils across the country create safer, healthier and more connected neighbourhoods around schools.
“By equipping councils with practical tools and tested approaches to delivering Open Streets, we hope this guide will support a future where Australian children can safely and independently travel to school, and where streets outside schools better reflect the needs of the communities they serve,” Cr Abboud said.
“I’m proud we can showcase the practical insights, challenges, and successes that have shaped Merri-bek's approach over the years to create people-centred streets that foster joy and connection in our communities.”
Kingston City Council Mayor Georgina Oxley said Open Streets had shown that small changes could have a big impact on local communities.
"Watching children arrive at school with smiles on their faces, families chatting with neighbours and streets becoming welcoming community spaces is a powerful reminder that our roads can serve more than one purpose," Cr Oxley said.
"We're excited to share our experience with councils across Australia because every community deserves the opportunity to create safer, healthier streets where children can walk, ride or scoot to school with confidence."
For more information and to download the School Open Streets Guide and Toolkit for Australian Local Governments, visit http://www.zerocarbonmerri-bek.org.au/school-open-streets-guide.