Melton council will call for a series of actions and updates on transport infrastructure priorities in the municipality, including in regards to the notorious Leakes Road and Western Highway intersection.
During council’s July 28 meeting, councillor Phillip Zada called on council to write to the state government for an update on the Western Highway Upgrade, the installation of traffic signalling at the Leakes Road and Western Highway intersection – at least a temporary measure – the provision of public facilities at Rockbank station, and an update on the construction of Rockbank Road and confirmation that this includes the Leakes Road level crossing removal and a new pedestrian bridge.
Following an addition from Cr Kathy Majdlik, the council will also write to Hawke MP Sam Rae and Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird to request this information.
The motion stated that correspondence from the Department of Transport and Planning confirmed temporary lights at the Leakes Road and Western Highway intersection were only warranted where works are imminent, with this threshold now met.
According to Cr Zada, the community has expressed ongoing concern regarding safety at the Leakes Road intersection, the lack of basic commuter amenities at Rockbank station, and the slow progress of major road projects earmarked in the Rockbank Precinct Structure Plan – and with funding now secured for parts of the Western Highway Upgrade and increased urgency for safe and accessible commuter infrastructure, it is timely that council renews its advocacy to the state government.
“This motion responds to a longstanding community concern around safety, congestion, and amenity gaps at the transportation nodes in Rockbank,” Cr Zada said.
“With the population booming and development intensifying, intersections like Leakes Road and Western Highway are now high-risk flashpoints,” he said.
“Delays to the upgrade and traffic signal installations aren’t acceptable.”
Cr Sophie Ramsey said the Leakes Road site is an accident waiting to happen, to which mayor Steve Abboushi responded that accidents are happening.
“We need it done ASAP,” Cr Abboushi said.
The state government was contacted for comment.
