By Gladys Barreta
A Melton community action group, Leakes Needs Lights, is calling on the state government to take action and listen to the community’s long-standing concerns about road safety.
A protest is set for Tuesday, February 25, at 5pm, as fears of more fatal accidents occurring at the Leakes Road and Western Highway intersection grows.
Leakes Needs Lights is urging the government to prioritise the installation of traffic lights at the intersection, which is notoriously known as a hotspot for accidents.
The community has also emphasised the need for solutions to the challenges faced at Rockbank train station, including security concerns and a lack of amenities such as parking and connecting buses.
These requests and concerns were raised as motions at the December Melton council meeting by councillor Phillip Zada.
“These issues have been one of our strongest advocacy points, and council has submitted numerous letters and requests to the minister for transport,” Cr Zada said.
“They just keep responding time and time again saying there’s ‘nothing planned,’ so we just want to keep fighting.”
Cr Zada said that it is unfortunately not within the council’s authority to make these decisions, as the roads are state government-controlled assets.
“If the council wanted to put lights at Leakes Road, they would just be removed within days,” he said.
“There have been multiple petitions, letters, and meetings over the years, but nothing seems to get through.
“When the protest idea came about, I was definitely very happy to support it.”
Leakes Needs Lights facilitator Donna Southern said the protest is residents’ last straw.
“It could be at least 10 years before the government does something, and we can’t wait that long,” she said.
“We are harnessing a bit of community spirit to push our issues forward with this protest, and with the election looming, we are hoping to get more traction.”
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi has welcomed the community highlighting these issues.
“Significant population growth on both sides of the highway in Rockbank and Aintree, has resulted increased congestion and safety concerns along the highway and leading to Rockbank train station,” Cr Abboushi said.
“With the business case for the Western Highway upgrade now complete, we look forward to the Victorian Government prioritising the Western Highway as a major road project, and for the Australian and Victorian governments to jointly fund this critical project.”
