By PETER DOUGLAS
YARRA Ranges Council and La Trobe MP Jason Wood are urging the Victorian Government to re-think its position on works to improve the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.
State Minister for Roads and Roads Safety Luke Donnellan has rejected an approach for funds support to widen sections of the road, which aims to improve the safety of cyclists and motorists.
In a letter to Mr Wood, which the Mail has viewed, Mr Donnellan said further investigations were required to ascertain feasibility.
The letter cited a VicRoads’ preliminary investigation, which stated there would be “significant challenges and high costs associated with such a facility”.
However, Mr Wood has continued to push the proposal, including it in a series of recent tourism-based election promises.
The promise includes $10 million to widen sections of the road, which Mr Wood said is much needed and could be one of the largest funding commitments ever for road safety in this region.
“Ever since Cadel Evans won the Tour de France (in 2011), the amount of cyclists riding up through here on a weekend is unbelievable,” he said.
“But the locals use the road, too. They may be taking the kids to footy. It’s a recipe for disaster.
“I wrote to Yarra Ranges Council and Victorian Government, proposing we need to do something about it.
“But the State Government has said it’s too difficult and that’s not the answer we are looking for.”
The recent announcement culminated in a whirlwind visit from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull late last month who also pledged his support for the plan.
Meanwhile, Yarra Ranges Mayor Jason Callinan said the work would be beneficial for tourists and the community.
“Residents want other people to come here – (there are) more than 3 million visitors a year,” Cr Callinan said.
“Many businesses rely on people visiting but when big events are held the local residents get frustrated.
“They are small roads (and have) been like that for many, many years – infrastructure is not keeping up with demand.”
Cr Callinan said there had been numerous accidents on the road over the years and didn’t want to see more.
“As a paramedic, far too many times I’ve seen cyclists that have been hit by a car,” Cr Callinan said.
“Some motorists, with the best intentions, don’t realise the danger when they drive only a few inches away from them.”
The sentiment gained support from Colin Rourke from Mitcham who for many years has cycled almost daily, particularly along the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.
Mr Rourke said he has noticed a big increase in cycling on the road, particularly on weekends.
“On a weekend, the warriors come out and really test themselves,” he said.
“(But) you’ve really got to read the traffic – it’s no good being in the right if you’re dead.”
