FEDERAL Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester had some words of advice for Rutherglen by-pass proponents on his latest visit to Indi in the lead-up to the July 2 election on Friday.
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“It is a question of the state government making it a priority and coming to the federal government seeking assistance,” he said.
“I don’t think it is the role of Canberra to enforce solutions on a local community.”
Mr Chester made the comments as he joined Coalition candidates, Sophie Mirabella and Marty Corboy at a truck stop near Springhurst, which will receive $1.08 million to create 18 parking bays, improve toilets and install security lighting as part of a $7.1 million package for 10 projects across the electorate.
Funding for a truck bypass at Mansfield is included in the suite of projects to be funded.
Rutherglen residents are chasing a similar solution to problems with an increasing number of trucks travelling through the narrow main street of the town.
“We have an unlimited request for infrastructure upgrades in Australia, but I have a limited budget,” Mr Chester said.
Mrs Mirabella and Mr Corboy said the Rutherglen by-pass was on their agendas.
“The issue is there needs to be some consensus and a plan at the state government level within the community and I am disappointed there isn’t a route everyone is behind that we can get behind and fund,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“It’s a no-brainer that it is a priority, but we need VicRoads and the state government to make it a priority.”
Mr Corboy said truck drivers should not be blamed for the present dangerous scenario.
“The last thing they want to do is hit cars and hit people,” he said.
“We will be advocating strongly as (the late) Don Chambers did for many years.”
It was the first time since the announcement of the election, Mrs Mirabella and Mr Corboy, had been together on the campaign trail as election rivals.
Both candidates were asked if their supporters would follow the Coalition agreement of preferencing the other person second on election day.
Mr Corboy said: “Our how to vote cards will reflect the Coalition agreement and we will take it from there”.
Mrs Mirabella was more emphatic.
“100 per cent,” she said.
“Of course I am advocating for people to vote one for me and two for Marty Corboy.
“The other options aren’t palatable and are not in the interests for delivering for Indi.
“We are jointly agreed on that.”
PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED
Shelley-Walwa Road, Guys Forest - Pavement Sealing Stage 1: $1.88 million for sealing of
the unsealed 3.5km section of Shelley-Walwa Road to increase the safety and productivity
of the timber industry.
Shelley-Walwa Road, Guys Forest - Pavement Sealing Stage 2: $1.88 million for sealing of
the unsealed 3.5km section of Shelley-Walwa Road to increase the safety and productivity
of the timber industry.
Hume Freeway Benton’s Hill Rest Area Upgrade: A $1.08 million upgrade of Benton's Hill
Truck Parking Area (northbound) with construction of 18 new truck parking bays, new
toilets and lighting.
Hume Freeway Reef Hills Rest Area Upgrade: $960,000 for construction of 14 parking bays
for heavy vehicles and an upgrade to existing toilet facilities with the installation of a new
toilet block, sewerage treatment plant and lighting.
Mansfield Heavy Vehicle Bypass: $700,000 for construction of a heavy vehicle bypass for
Mansfield Township
Section of Eildon Jamieson Road from Jerusalem Creek Track to 12km south at Eildon:
$303,000 to install chevron alignment markers, guardrail, centre and edgelines, speed
advisory signs and additional white marker posts