CONCERN is mounting in Bacchus Marsh over the state government’s plan to alleviate truck and heavy-vehicle traffic.
Roads Minister Terry Mulder last week released plans showing several corridors could be built south of the elm-flanked Avenue of Honour.
But Moorabool councillor Allan Comrie said he was was “very worried” that trucks would continue to rumble through the town’s centre and that tourism along the avenue’s eastern fruit stalls would fade.
“We don’t want to put the strawberry farm or the other smaller farms out of business. There’s no doubt this will affect tourism,” Cr Comrie said.
Melton MP Don Nardella said the new option was not suitable as a truck bypass.
“Spending such a vast amount of money and then keeping all of the problems where they are is just moronic.”
He said he would grill VicRoads and the Transport Department once consultation on the plan began.
“How long until the trucks ploughing down Grant Street and Gisborne Road hit a school kid? The trucks go past virtually every single school.”
Push Back for Woolpack member and Jeff Jones Plant and Produce owner Glenda Jones said the plan was “not as good as we can get”.
She said taking the river-frontage of orchards could affect the growing of stone fruits, which relied on irrigation from the Werribee River for frost protection in icy weather.
Digby Thackaray, an avid supporter of the plans, said the truck talk was “nonsense”.
“In the short term you could
use Flanagans Drive and Bences Road to connect up to Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road.”
Acting project director Mark Koliba said VicRoads was seeking community views for all possible options for a new freeway access point to Bacchus Marsh, taking into account transport efficiency, road safety and environmental considerations.
Detailed costing will occur after further community consultation.
Information sessions will take place at the Lerderderg library in Bacchus Marsh on May 17 from 3-5pm, May 19 from 11am-1pm, and May 22 from 4-6pm. Details: 1800212602.
