A buffer to separate freeway traffic from a service lane is amongst the key actions identified in a draft Trafalgar Structure Plan.

Once finalised, the plan - which predicts Trafalgar's population will increase 46 per cent in the next 20 years - will help guide council's priority projects, advocacy, budgeting and planning scheme amendments.
Consultation opened yesterday (Monday), allowing residents six weeks to read the long-term document and have their say on findings and actions recommended. Feedback closes on Sunday, December 8.
Creation of highway entrance gateways, enhanced entrances to the town centre, widening of key roads and improved intersections are priorities identified.
Constraints facing Trafalgar included the highway and railway corridor dividing the town, flood risk, large unoccupied sites within the town and limited school expansion options.
The draft plan, inspired by findings from Tract Consultants and with a $100,000 budget, identified six key directions: reinforcing Trafalgar's country town character; providing sustainable residential growth and housing choice; supporting resilient local and sub-regional economy; improving access and connectivity; enhancing open spaces and natural environment; and, creating a people-focused heart.
The heart relates to recognising the importance of the town centre, train station precinct and Princes Hwy as places where the community comes together as well as their critical role in strengthening tourism and visitation.
A train station forecourt with shelters and bus parking, a separator between west bound traffic and service lane and a shared pedestrian/vehicle space in Contingent St is detailed, including an artist impression.
The section, "Re-imagine the Princes Hwy", said the major road presents a "significant movement barrier between the town centre, the train station and areas to the north of the township".
"The lack of separation between the highway and businesses on the south side impacts of amenity and the pedestrian experience," the report stated.
A separated slip lane is proposed on the south side of the freeway to simplify vehicle movements and improve pedestrian safety.
Whilst the slip lane will access Contingent St, it is proposed freeway traffic would be restricted from turning onto Contingent St. Traffic would be redirected to Anzac Rd and McCrorey St to access the town centre.
The draft plan details Trafalgar's population and growth predictions.
Latest figures in 2021 showed the town had a population of 3839 with a median age of 41 years, 1637 houses and $373.2 million economic output. Trafalgar's 1065 jobs were led by the education, health and construction sectors.
However, in the next 20 years - by 2043 - it is forecast Trafalgar will gain 1774 residents, 1000 houses, 18 hectares of industrial land, 900 to 1200 square metres of non-retail employment floor space, and 2200 to 3900 square metres of retail floor space.
Cr Darren Wallace described it as a "solid plan with some key recommendations" but was keen to hear community thoughts.
Cr Wallace said retaining the town's country feel was vital and major issues ahead included drainage and flooding, land buffers around the abattoir and landfill sites, and ad-hoc commercial development as previously seen in Yarragon.
"The Trafalgar commercial district won't thrive until the highway is separated from it, much like Yarragon," he declared. "It's a pity it wasn't done 30 years ago...it's not to say it can't be done."
Disagreeing with one aspect of the draft plan, Cr Wallace called for widening and sealing of Sunny Creek Connection Rd to open heavy vehicle access to the abattoir as well as re-opening of the railway level crossing at Sunny Creek Rd to give freeway traffic access to the industrial area and recreation reserve.
Looking ahead 20 to 30 years, he envisioned elevating the railway station and lines to open the township, much like had recently been unveiled in Pakenham.
"If we had a skyrail from the west boundary to the east boundary of Trafalgar, imagine the improved connectivity," Cr Wallace said. "Nothing is impossible if you advocate long and hard enough."
Cr Michael Leaney said Trafalgar was a key growth area in Baw Baw due to its flat land and railway line location.
"It's important that we make sure the growth is done in a sustainable way and a manageable way," Cr Leaney said.
He said Trafalgar's sense of community, look and feel needed to be maintained - "we don't want to kill the actual very reason that people move there."
Cr Leaney believed the extensive document had "lots of good ideas" but needed "a few tweaks".
"I implore people to actually respond to this document and give all your ideas and tweaks," he concluded.
Cr Peter Kostos said rail improvements were optimistic after past plans didn't come to fruition, raised lack of parking on the highway service road and questioned diverting abattoir traffic.
Cr Kostos said the abattoir owner had offered to assist sealing Sunny Creek Connection Rd in the past and believed this route "the best option".
"With the subdivision that's going on to the west of Trafalgar, that would be one major factor taking potentially dangerous traffic conditions out of the main town," he said.
Community information sessions will be held at the Trafalgar Farmers Market on Saturday, November 2 from 9am to 1pm; Trafalgar Community Centre on Thursday, November 14 from 5pm to 7pm; and, Trafalgar Community Centre on Friday, November 15 from 9am to 11am.
To view the draft plan or provide feedback online, visit bawbawconnect.com.au/trafalgar-structure-plan