Councillors have signalled they will listen to the angry Rutherglen community when it comes to the backlash against the alternative truck route for the town chosen by Regional Roads Victoria.
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Cr James Trenery tabled a petition at Tuesday's Indigo Council meeting, which had amassed 874 signatures, handing it to chief executive Trevor Ierino.
"We the undersigned object to the relocation of the truck route through residential streets in Rutherglen," the petition stated.
"It will impose a hazard to senior citizens and children.
"The proposition has never been presented for public consultation and this has not been discussed with residents.
"The proposal merely moves the congestion from one street to the next."
Cr Trenery also tabled documents at the council meeting with details of public meetings on the issue in recent weeks and motions put forward by the public.
This includes a motion to access a report conducted by consultant Aurecon and RRV's full origin to destination study, which it has been claimed cost $1.2 million of the $4 million put to the alternative route project.
"Indigo Shire makes the best decisions for the community and we'll react appropriately," Cr Trenery said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
RRV has stated it consulted with more than 500 people, looked at traffic surveys and technical reports, and assessed more than 20 alternative routes before making a decision.
The organisation would need approval from Indigo councillors to use the shire's roads for its alternative route.
Mayor Jenny O'Connor said the council was yet to be formally approached by RRV, but councillors and staff had attended the community meetings.
"Councillors have attended a meeting in Rutherglen and the CEO attend subsequent meetings, and we have been contacted by a number of individuals and representative groups," she said.
"I just want to reassure the community of Rutherglen that we have had some very clear communication from them about their views on this proposal.
"At this stage we haven't had anything come to council from Regional Roads Victoria, so we're just waiting to see how this project eventuates.
"I would like to thank the community of Rutherglen for being so active and engaged around this issue and for keeping us very informed about their views."
