The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien has called on the Allan Labor Government to urgently repair the South Gippsland Highway between Leongatha and Korumburra, saying locals are fed up with its poor condition.
Raising the issue in State Parliament, Mr O’Brien told the Minister for Roads and Road Safety that the 13-kilometre stretch has been subject to creeping speed reductions and long-term hazard warnings due to the deteriorating road surface.
“This section used to be 100 kilometres an hour, but now large sections are permanently reduced to 80 kilometres an hour with road hazard signs in place,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Incredibly, one lane was resealed recently, yet it is that lane which now has permanent 80-kilometre signs and hazard warnings. That same section was the site of a line-marking mistake that has now been rectified.
“Locals are asking what on earth is going on? This has been allowed to drag on for years and it is simply not good enough.”
Mr O’Brien said the poor condition of the road is a frustration for commuters, freight operators and tourists alike.
“This road is a vital link, not just for locals, but for visitors heading to Wilsons Promontory, increased livestock traffic since the closure of the Pakenham saleyards, and future industry traffic from the decommissioning of oil and gas facilities and the development of offshore wind at Barry Beach.”
Mr O’Brien said despite the Allan Labor Government’s claims of “record road funding,” the latest budget papers reveal a very different picture, with road patching works slashed by 93 per cent this year and road rehabilitation and resurfacing reduced by 14 per cent.
“These cuts could be part of the reason why only half the road at the Leongatha end has been resealed.
“Gippslanders have had enough of temporary fixes and endless speed restrictions.
“Our community deserves a safe and well-maintained highway.
“The Minister must act now to restore this section of road to a proper standard and lift these speed restrictions once and for all.”
Mr O’Brien said only The Nationals in government will ensure Gippsland roads receive the funding needed to ensure proper maintenance.