July 25, 2012
Saving lives and improving safety conditions on the Princes Highway east of Orbost were the key themes of a meeting between a group of 30 local representatives and transport operators.
A recommendation to form a working group which would focus on a long-term safety plan for the highway was also accepted by the attendees and will be actioned immediately.
The meeting was co-ordinated by State Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester in response to the closure of the road after severe storms in June.
Also present were State Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Edward O’Donohue; State Parliamentary Secretary for Forestry Gary Blackwood; Mayor Dick Ellis and officers from East Gippsland Shire Council; VicRoads; the Department of Sustainability and Environment; Parks Victoria; East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority; Victoria Police; and the Orbost Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Bull said he was pleased that all levels of government and key stakeholders were able to come together and discuss the highway in an open forum.
He said there was an urgent need to develop a long-term safety strategy and address the issues which forced the recent closure.
“The highway is a workplace for local transport and haulage operators and getting everybody in the room together was a good way to have an open and honest discussion about the issues which need immediate attention to improve safety for all road users,” Mr Bull said.
“Our region can’t afford to have its major transport link to the east coast shut down for several days because of storm damage.
“As local residents we understand that we are susceptible to bushfires and flooding due to the geography of our region but the impact needs to be minimised where possible through a whole of government approach for the long-term benefit of East Gippsland.”
Mr Chester said he was continuing to lobby the Federal Government to include the Princes Highway east of Sale under its national network.
“The highway east of Sale is currently ineligible to receive Commonwealth funding which is holding back safety upgrades,” Mr Chester said.
“The highway has one of the highest accident and fatality rates in Victoria and widening the road corridor, improving road shoulders and creating new rest areas and overtaking lanes are all required to improve safety.
“Widening the road corridor by clearing roadside vegetation reduces the likelihood of serious run-off road vehicle accidents.
“Improving road shoulders and providing more rest areas and overtaking lanes would also help to combat the dangers of driver fatigue.”
The working group will be formed over the next month with all levels of government; government agencies; transport operators and the community to be represented.