Locals kept in the dark over GV Highway works

The Andrews Labor Government has failed to answer questions relating to its plans for the Goulburn Valley Highway between Cathkin and Yarck following questions raised by State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP.

Ms McLeish said the lack of responsiveness is typical of a government that does not care about the views of country people.

“The Andrews Government has failed once again to consult local people who use the Goulburn Valley Highway on a daily basis. Yet again, locals have been left in the dark about what works will be undertaken,” Ms McLeish said.

On 9 May Ms McLeish asked the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan whether the Government would install centre wire rope barriers between Cathkin and Molesworth on the Goulburn Valley Highway.

“I have been approached by a number of constituents in the area who have heard that this is going to be the case: one, that they will be extended to Cathkin and another that they will be extended to Yarck” Ms McLeish said.

Under Parliament’s rules the Minister had 30 days to respond to the question but has so far failed to do so.

“It’s time for the Minister to be upfront with Murrindindi and Mansfield locals and properly consult them about these changes. The installation of huge electronic signage at Yarck has many locals feeling left out of the loop yet again by a government that does not seem to care,” Ms McLeish.

Further speculation surrounding the scope of works has been heightened following Minister Donnellan’s presentation to Parliament’s Public Accounts and Estimates which stated works on the highway were being extended beyond Molesworth to Cathkin.  

“It’s important that we ensure this road safety infrastructure is built properly and to do that we need  I have unfortunately been contacted by a number of local community members who have been faced with dangerous situations on the highway due to these works and the government needs to rectify these issues immediately,” Ms McLeish concluded.