THE man who could decide the final alignment of the $80 million Yarrawonga-Mulwala bridge crossing yesterday received a 10,000-plus signature petition supporting the green route.
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Victorian Transport Minister Terry Mulder was handed the petition by member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy in Melbourne.
The handover took place before Mr Mulder met Moira Council mayor Peter Mansfield and chief executive Mark Henderson and other Murray River councils having similar bridge issues.
Mr McCurdy and Moira also back the green route, but Corowa Council supports the grey route.
Mr Mulder didn’t give a commitment on either route yesterday.
He could be faced with the tough choice of deciding between Mr McCurdy and VicRoads on the issue.
VicRoads has indicated its support for the grey route and has launched another round of community consultation on the issue.
In NSW, Roads and Maritime Services and Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian are also key players ahead of a mid-year decision.
“If it can’t be decided between the two councils, VicRoads and RMS, it may have to go to the two ministers,” Mr McCurdy said.
“We’ve had ongoing discussions and I’ve been clear with him where I stand.
“He hasn’t said whether he supports me or not.
“It is in his best interests to wait for VicRoads to come up with their final call.”
Mr McCurdy was surprised VicRoads wanted more consultation.
“Better too much than too little,” he said.
The petition calls for the support of the green route and for the 1920s bridge to be saved for walkers and cyclists.
“I am pleased to be able to support the majority of Yarrawonga residents who are in favour of the green route,” the MP said.
Moira and other councils within the Murray River group have similar issues with their river crossings.
