In a win for Wattle Bank residents, a road safety review has been secured for the notorious Lynnes Road and Inverloch-Kongwak Road intersection.
The announcement comes after community outcry and political pressure following numerous traffic incidents and collisions at the site.
The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety Danny O’Brien and The Nationals’ Melina Bath MP congratulated residents for their steadfast commitment to improving regional road safety in the Bass Coast.
“This busy intersection has been an ongoing concern and locals have pleaded with the state government to implement much needed improvements.
“Safety concerns include roadside vegetation obscuring driver vision, deteriorating surface, intermittently flashing speed signs and faded lines,” said Mr O’Brien.
“Residents need the state government to turn this review into tangible action that improves road safety for all motorists.”
In response to Ms Bath’s questioning in state parliament, the Minister for Roads and Road Safety has now confirmed that roadside vegetation removal is expected to be completed by the end of March and a speed limit reduction to 70km/h will be introduced.
Ms Bath said driver risk at intersections like Lynnes Road and Inverloch-Kongwak Road is exacerbated at peak times and during holiday periods when tourists travel on unfamiliar roads.
“Given the recent road crashes and the close proximity of a new housing estate, the Allan Government must ensure the vegetation works are completed in time for the busy Easter school holiday period,” said Ms Bath.
“A safety review conducted in 2022 by Bass Coast Council already stated the intersection had recorded enough crashes to make it eligible for black spot funding.
“While The Nationals are relieved that this intersection is getting the attention it deserves, it should not have taken a further three years, multiple car crashes and community outcry for the Allan Government to finally act”, Ms Bath concluded.
