News

Roads | September 15, 2017

Rupanyup community concerns ignored

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is disappointed at the Andrews Labor Government’s response to concerns from Rupanyup residents about the towns’ road network.

“I have spoken in Parliament and written directly to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, the Hon. Luke Donnellan seeking urgent consideration of a number of road safety concerns that have been raised with me by several members of the Rupanyup community”, Ms Kealy said.

“The response from the Minister was dismissive of their concerns to say the least, citing a very good safety record in Rupanyup as a reason to do nothing,” she said.

Residents have all observed several near misses, particularly at the intersection of the Wimmera Highway and Stawell-Warracknabeal Road where there are major visibility concerns and on the Wimmera Highway in front of the Post Office where the road lines and road camber actually direct traffic coming around the corner and over the railway line directly towards a car parking area.

They have also observed a number of near misses on the Wimmera Highway in the town centre, particularly when cars are parked in the existing exclusion lane, which is inadequately signposted, creating a dangerous situation.

The increased volume of traffic following the inclusion of the Rupanyup silos as part of the Yarriambiack Silo Art Trial and the location of a major grain terminal in the town are both considered major contributors to the situation.

To address concerns, residents are seeking to have the speed limit in the main street reduced to 50km.

They are also requesting that the exclusion lane be replaced with additional parking spaces and that the installation of a roundabout at the Wimmera Highway/Stawell Warracknabeal Road intersection be considered.

“Proactive local residents have identified these potentially dangerous situations. They should be congratulated for their initiative in trying to prevent future incidents, not dismissed by a city-centric Minister who has probably never been to Rupanyup,” Ms Kealy said.

“I will continue to campaign strongly for improvements to our road network to protect the safety of our local residents and encourage people to report road hazards directly to VicRoads through my website www.emmakealy.com or by phoning 13 11 70”, she said.