SUPPORTERS of rejected Avenue of Honour roadworks have formed a group to encourage the state government to reconsider plans for a roundabout at the intersection of Woolpack Road.
The group was formed after a groundswell of public disquiet surrounding the controversial decision and in response to widespread deep concern, Push Back for Woolpack president Malcolm Trask said.
Moorabool Council has claimed there are no suitable truck bypass options other than the Woolpack Road proposal, which was rejected by Planning Minister Matthew Guy on Australia Day after a vocal campaign by the Avenue of Honour Preservation Group.
The works would have involved removing five memorial elm trees.
Mr Trask, also president of the Bacchus Marsh Traders Association, said people felt disempowered by the decision.
He said locals had voiced concerns that an important decision had been affected by a “very vocal minority”. “Everyone I speak to on a daily basis asks, why has this happened?
“We aim to demonstrate conclusively that there is overwhelming public support for the Woolpack Road option. There are no affordable alternatives to solve the traffic problems; we need a truck bypass.”
Council chief executive Rob Croxford said the council was aware of the group and that it “represents an alternative view on heavy traffic impacts in Bacchus Marsh”.
Avenue of Honour Preservation Group president Damien Strangio said the council had simply “scared the community” with threats of a Fisken Street plan which would see 16 homes demolished.
