The lack of active lighting at two upgraded intersections in East Gippsland has raised serious safety concerns, with local residents and road users demanding answers.
The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has called for immediate action to activate lighting infrastructure at the intersections of Bullumwaal Road and Howitt Avenue in Wy Yung, and Princes Highway and McEacharn Street in East Bairnsdale.
“While the road upgrades at both sites were completed in time for Easter, the power poles erected as a part of the upgrades appear to be mere decoration at this stage, as they don’t work,” Mr Bull said.
“With shorter daylight hours and poor winter visibility, it’s simply not acceptable for these safety features have been left inactive without explanation.”
Mr Bull said many locals were rightly questioning why key components of the projects remained unfinished and was seeking clarification from the responsible authorities.
“I’ve asked the Minister for Roads and Road Safety for an explanation of what has caused the delay, when the lights will finally be activated, and why the lighting was not delivered as part of the main works,” he said.
“These are critical intersections that see significant vehicle and pedestrian movement. The failure to provide adequate lighting poses a genuine risk to community safety, particularly in early morning and evening hours.”
Mr Bull said he had written to the Minister seeking urgent advice on the completion timeline and stressing the need to prioritise public safety.
“Our communities deserve better than half-finished safety upgrades. The job should have been done properly the first time,” Mr Bull said.
“Yet again, we’re seeing signs the Allan Labor Government can’t manage money and can’t manage key infrastructure projects.”
Pictured: Bullumwaal Road intersection looking north towards Wy Yung at dusk. The road projects were both completed in time for Easter, yet the lighting infrastructure remains inactive.

Wednesday, 11 June 2025