By Tara Murray
The state government has no plans to implement changes to Vineyard Road in Diggers Rest.
Former Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik wrote to Roads and Roads Safety Minister Melissa Horne in September regarding the road and council’s suggestions to modify and the road in intersection.
It came after a notice of motion from councillor Bob Turner at the August council meeting, calling for the state government to have an urgent investigation to community safety concerns and a review of capacity and timing for the duplication of Vineyard Road, including the Calder Freeway overpass bridge.
As reported by Star Weekly, the DREAM Diggers Rest Advocacy group also wrote to Ms Horne in January calling for the duplication of Vineyard Road. The group had been advocating for the duplication since 2022.
Ms Horne responded to the council on January 29 in a letter that was tabled at the Melton council meeting on Monday.
The letter said Vineyard Road is a primary arterial road connecting Sunbury and Melton and the corridor has been identified as requiring future upgrades.
Ms Horne said the government had no plans in implementing the council’s ideas.
“The Department of Transport and Panning [DTP] regularly receives suggestions for changes across the state’s transport network,” she said.
“These are considered based on various factors including the extent to which a solution would improve safety or congestion, the number of road users travelling along the road, the need to cater for vulnerable road users and historical safety records.
“Whilst DTP has advised there are currently no plans to implement changes at this location, feedback and input from Melton City Council will be considered as part of the DTP’s assessment and management of Victoria’s road network.
“In the meantime, DTP will continue to work with council, developers and other key stakeholders to review the Vineyard Road corridor.”
