Tuesday,30 April 2024

Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (14:50): (592) Montrose small businesses and traders are experiencing significant losses as a result of the disruption caused by the Montrose intersection upgrade, which is impacting the broader Montrose community. These businesses rely on customers from not only Montrose but the broader Yarra Ranges community and tourists who are now avoiding the area altogether. My question is to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure: can financial compensation be made available for Montrose traders who suffer significant losses as a result of this road project? Some are already reporting a 35 to 40 per cent loss in trade, and the Department of Transport and Planning advise that construction works will persist for another 11 months or so. Some businesses may have to let go staff or shut down, which would be devastating for our local community. I wrote to the minister about this about two months ago and still have had no reply. I urge the minister and the government to support Montrose and these small businesses.