The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, recently challenged the VicRoads decision to install traffic lights at the Bullumwaal Road / Howitt Avenue intersection.

“The reason for my query is that back in 2019 I was advised a roundabout was the preferred option, an outcome I know the majority of the Eastwood and Wy Yung community supported,” he said.

“The plan was to have a roundabout with a merging lane before the bridge, so traffic would continue to flow. I was presented with the plans which I shared with the community at the time - which I still have.

“The department has come back to me stating the reason for installing traffic lights relates to land acquisition being needed for a roundabout, native vegetation requirements and public consultation feedback.

“When I questioned the latter and the fact no local residents were advised of, or knew of the public consultation process, I was simply told they were aware the public consultation process needed to be better for future projects, but this project would now not be changed.

“The bottom line is, we now have traffic lights going in on a flood plain, which is not the preferred outcome the majority of the community sought.

“It must also be remembered this is a Federally funded project and the State has been sitting on the Commonwealth money secured by my colleague and Federal Member for Gippsland, Mr Chester, for five years.”

Mr Bull said on a brighter note he had also been advised the McEacharn Street / Princes Highway intersection (also Federally funded) roundabout would also be started soon.

“I’m told the project will remain as initially planned, a roundabout with a lane to merge onto the highway before the bridge, which is what we wanted at Wy Yung.

“It is another project where the State has been sitting on the money for an extended period and the second time it has been announced, the last time, being four years ago.”

Monday, 7 October 2024