Thursday, 31 October 2024

Evelyn electorate

Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (14:46): (882) Hereford Road, Mount Evelyn, particularly between Birmingham and Rangeview Roads, is dangerous and congested. Hundreds of residents, from young children accessing the sports facilities to families and the elderly crossing to the shops or the medical clinic, are concerned for their safety as a result of regular accidents and near misses. My question is to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. What is the Department of Transport and Planning’s position on the proposed development at 19–23 Hereford Road in Mount Evelyn? Yarra Ranges council’s decision about the planning applications showed the department found the access arrangement is incompatible with the operation of Hereford Road and the proposal would lead to unacceptable road safety outcomes. I have called on the state government since 2022 in Parliament to fix this dangerous road. If this proposed new development proceeds, it will significantly increase traffic on this already congested road, and the state government would need to plan significant road safety upgrades as a result. The Mount Evelyn community deserves to know what the government and Department of Transport and Planning’s position is on this development at 19–23 Hereford Road, Mount Evelyn.