Changing lanes

By Russell Bennett
BELGRAVE South residents can rest assured, knowing a controversial Wellington Road overtaking lane will not go ahead.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato last Thursday promised locals at a specially convened meeting that the road-widening project would not proceed and congratulated them on their “good victory”.
Ms Lobato’s announcement stunned Jonathan Lloyd, president of the Dandenong Ranges Horse and Pony Club whose premises neighbour the proposed road site.
“It was quite an interesting meeting to say the least,” he said.
“Both Tammy Lobato and (her opponent) Brad Battin turned up to hear us.
“It was great to have them there and when Tammy said the project wouldn’t be going ahead, it stunned us all.”
Ms Lobato said she shared the locals’ concerns about the project.
“As a result of concerns raised with me by the community, VicRoads has agreed not to proceed with the implementation of the current proposal,” she said.
“I have asked VicRoads to now work with the council and community members to identify alternative options for Wellington Road.”
The Mail had reported on the controversial project on 21 September. There were many objections to the proposal at that stage.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said in September an application to construct the overtaking lane was due to come before Yarra Ranges Council later this month.
The shire has received over 25 objections to the proposal so far.
Ms Lobato’s Liberal opponent for Gembrook Brad Battin said the council still had the application and would hear it on 9 November.
“The project probably still won’t go ahead, but that’s due to council, not her (Ms Lobato),” he said.
Dandenong Ranges Horse and Pony Club committee member Fred Hawes suggested special traffic lights for horse riders or an underpass as a compromise to the overtaking lane.
“We live in an expanding city and the powers that be will always attempt to achieve improvements at the lowest cost,” he said.
“However, I feel that it should not be at the cost of quality of life.
“A little interactive planning could make all the difference.”