Constituency questions
Kew electorate
Jess WILSON (Kew) (14:39): (570) My question is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport. When will the minister commit to upgrading the dangerous state of Walmer Street bridge? In August last year I asked the Premier to release the $200,000 scoping study and business case for upgrading the century-old Walmer Street bridge in Kew, which is a vital piece of pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure connecting Kew with Abbotsford. The Premier refused to release that scoping study and business case, coming back with a typically mealymouthed response about the government’s supposed commitment to delivering more cycling routes for Victorians but without any evidence to back up that claim. Since they will not release this document, perhaps they can do one better and actually commit to upgrading this piece of vital infrastructure. The existing bridge is not fit for purpose. It is not safe. It is an accident waiting to happen. The old, uneven planks are a hazard. There has also already been an incident on the bridge, which one local cyclist has written to the minister about. It is only a matter of time before a serious injury to a cyclist or pedestrian occurs on this old, narrow bridge, and I ask the minister to consider upgrading it as soon as possible.