The more than 100 trees growing in the centre of the road barriers between Bairnsdale and Sale, some well over six feet tall, will not be removed for months with the Minister for Roads, Melissa Horne, stating, “addressing this issue is a more intricate process than it may initially appear”.

Having raised the matter in State Parliament, Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull was told in a response by the Minister:

“DTP (the department) acknowledges the presence of saplings between the barriers. However, it's crucial to understand that addressing this issue is a more intricate process than it may initially appear.

Working in the middle of a highway exposes crews to significant safety risks. It requires specific traffic control measures, careful planning, and coordination to minimise disruptions to traffic while ensuring the safety of road workers and the travelling public.

DTP is developing a plan to address this issue throughout Gippsland and expects this program to be finalised and completed by mid-2024.”

Mr Bull said he found the response completely ridiculous.

“The Minister is using an excuse that road workers will have to work on the road, and they need to develop a plan for this – is she serious?

“Road workers work on the road every day and put the right safety measures in place. A couple I know, and have showed this to, simply laughed.

“What the likely issue for the Minister is, when they have a crew on the road, the barriers have created such a narrow carriageway, they will not have enough room for traffic to get around the stationary work vehicle, so they may have to divert traffic.

“Regional Roads Victoria has admitted to me that this stretch of road does not meet the Department’s current safety standards, which were adopted shortly after this stretch was completed. The fact it does not meet their own guidelines indicates it needs a broader fix,” Mr Bull said.

Caption: Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is astounded the saplings growing in between the Princes Highway barriers are allowed to mature while the Department develop a plan for their removal.
Tim is pictured with the same tree, two years apart (2022 and 2024), that has been left to grow in between the barriers.

Wednesday, 3 April 2024