Community concern about a main road in Rushworth has become a topic of conversation in Victoria’s parliament, with calls from a local politician to review the speed limit.
Member for Northern Victoria Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has called on the government to review the speed limit on Moora Rd in Rushworth, suggesting it should be lowered.
In a constituency question to Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne on Thursday, October 17, Mrs Tyrrell expressed the concerns of Rushworth residents who believe that the 60 km/h speed limit on Moora Rd is too high.
Moora Rd is a main street in Rushworth, and is part of the C345 Bendigo-Murchison Rd — a major truck route for vehicles travelling to and from Bendigo.
The road is frequented by school children who attend Rushworth P-12 College just off Moora Rd on School St, and use the school crossing on Moora Rd.
Moora Rd also connects to High St, considered the CBD of Rushworth, and is a tourist spot for those who visit attractions on the street.
Mrs Tyrrell said residents around Moora Rd felt the speed limit should be reduced to 50km/h or 40km/h for the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.
“Clearly there are Rushworth locals who feel unsafe when driving and walking in their own town and that is why I have asked the minister to investigate lowering the speed limit through the town,” Mrs Tyrrell said.
As the road is a section of Bendigo-Murchison Rd, it falls under the jurisdiction of Transport Victoria, and the minister would be responsible for investigating lowering the speed limit and listening to the Rushworth community’s concerns.
Ms Horne is required to provide a response to the concern by October 31.