Moorabool council is calling on governments to move beyond studies and promises and deliver tangible upgrades to the west’s road network, as congestion in Bacchus Marsh emerges as a focal point in a broader infrastructure debate that spans local, state and federal governments.
In December councillors voted in favour of writing to the state and federal governments, as well as the opposition, seeking bipartisan commitment to an eastern link road aimed at easing chronic congestion through the town centre.
Bacchus Marsh sits at the centre of a growing regional traffic problem, with much of the town’s local traffic and heavy vehicles funnelled through a single central intersection. Council argues an eastern bypass linking Geelong Road and Gisborne Road, with a freeway interchange, would divert heavy vehicles and through-traffic away from residential streets.
According to a council report, the need for an eastern link was first identified in the late 1990s, when Bacchus Marsh had a population of about 11,700. Today, the town’s population has more than doubled to 26,763, representing a 128 per cent increase and is forecast to exceed 55,000 by 2046.
Further pressure is expected from the planned Merrimu Precinct Structure Plan, which could add around 20,000 residents across 7000 new homes, according to council.
Councillor Rod Ward said decades of advocacy had yet to translate into construction, despite a $3 million planning study.
“Everyone has recognised the critical need for an eastern link solution for over two decades,” Cr Ward said.
“Can we just get on with it?”
A state government spokesperson said “We’re always looking at how we can upgrade roads and reduce congestion in growing communities like Bacchus Marsh”.
“We’ve invested $3 million into a planning study for an eastern link road to improve traffic flow and safety.”
However, council noted that despite a preferred alignment being identified in early 2025, the Transport Victoria website currently states there are no plans to build the eastern link.
Councillors say without firm funding commitments, congestion will only worsen as the town continues to grow.
Star Weekly contacted the federal government for comment.
