The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to commence the long-awaited works to re-align the infamous Coal Creek bends at Korumburra.
In State Parliament this week, Mr O’Brien questioned the Minister for Transport Infrastructure on when the realignment process will begin.
“The South Gippsland Highway is the key arterial through the region, serving local communities, dairy, beef and other industries such as the growing tourism sector. We are also rapidly expanding as a lifestyle and tree-change destination.
“But the Highway still needs plenty of work to improve it and the Coal Creek bends is a section that needs priority.
“There were 17 reported crashes along this section of highway between July 2014 and June 2019 resulting in two people sadly losing their lives and five being seriously injured.
“In 2017, Regional Roads Victoria introduced a 60km/h speed limit at the Coal Creek curves as a short-term measure to improve safety. Many locals are wondering if that is all that will happen,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I was pleased that the Government provided $300,000 to progress planning of the 4.1 km realignment some years ago, but now it has stalled.
“There has been no update on the project since May 2019.”
Mr O’Brien said the community needed to be assured that these works are going ahead and have been sufficiently budgeted and planned for.
“We now need to know how much the realignment will cost, what the final route will be and when construction will start.”
In line with Parliamentary process, the Minister has 30 days to respond to Mr O’Brien.