Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell says a recent statement in Parliament has left Goulburn Valley residents in no doubt where the Victorian Government stands on the proposed Shepparton bypass.
Ms Lovell said that during a recent sitting of parliament, she highlighted the ongoing campaign to get a bypass built around the city.
The Liberal member has urged the state government to commit to funding at least Stage 1 of the bypass in the 2024-25 budget, due to be handed down in May.
That action followed the release of the Shepparton South East Precinct Structure Plan, which aims to build 2500 new homes, along with shops, a community centre and a new primary school.
It also proposes to put a pedestrian crossing on Doyles Rd — currently Shepparton's alternate route for heavy freight vehicles — to serve new residents and school children in the area.
Ms Lovell said this was alarming because the government's response in Parliament had indicated Doyles Rd was likely to remain the key north-south road corridor for the foreseeable future.
“The Shepparton Bypass is a critical infrastructure project for the safe and efficient movement of freight trucks in Victoria, and the state government must take responsibility for delivering this project,” Ms Lovell said.
“Labor is throwing $216 billion at the Suburban Rail Loop but won’t commit to funding the Shepparton Bypass.
“Just 1 per cent of that money would fund Stage 1 of the Shepparton Bypass, the redevelopment of the Shepparton basketball stadium, complete the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health and Clinical Health School, and build an underground pedestrian crossing at Kialla West Primary School.”
Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said any money spent on the bypass had been spent by the Victorian Government and acknowledged the current Federal Government had decided not to fund it.
He told Parliament any development along Doyles Rd would be well planned.
“The Department of Transport and Planning has been working closely with the Victorian Planning Authority to ensure any road and pedestrian infrastructure along Doyles Rd is designed to an appropriate standard to mitigate any impacts of residential development on the function of this significant freight route,” he said.
“This includes providing for a safe pedestrian crossing of Doyles Rd for local residents.”