Labor Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll has failed to commit to the completion of stage two of the Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Alternative Route.
In response to a number of petitions submitted to Parliament earlier this year by Shadow Minister for Roads and The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien seeking the completion of the project, Minister Carroll said only that the highly anticipated project would be “considered” in a future roads program.
Mr O’Brien said he was disappointed that the Minister had not matched The Nationals commitment of $1 million to undertake the business case for stage two of the project.
“This project is crucial to finding a solution for the dangerous intersection of the South Gippsland and Strzelecki Highways – or Kamikaze Corner as it is known to locals,” Mr O’Brien said. 
“This intersection is a headache for Leongatha and has only been made worse by the addition of the newly completed section of the Great Southern Rail Trail that goes right through it.
“I have tabled these petitions on behalf of the people of Gippsland South and their voice has effectively been ignored by Labor yet again.
“A solution is crucial for the town, for the safety of motorists and to help make the rail trail a success for tourists and local users alike.
“The Nationals recognise this and that is why we are willing to put the money on the table to see the project progress if elected in November.
“It is clear from Minister Carroll’s response that the same can not be said for Labor. “