Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Members statements

Croydon electorate roads

David HODGETT (Croydon) (09:55): I rise to talk on the state of the median strips across the Croydon electorate, which are disgraceful, with overgrown grass, out-of-control weeds, broken branches and rubbish continuing to litter these areas. Time and time again I have raised this matter with the minister, with responses stating that the long grass is not a priority. On the rare occasions that the grass is mowed, the issue continues – overgrown grass recurring due to the very poor regularity of the maintenance schedule. My office has been inundated with complaints over the lack of maintenance being undertaken by VicRoads along Dorset Road, Mount Dandenong Road and Maroondah Highway – major arterial roads in the Croydon electorate, and these are only to name but a few.

Residents should be able to drive around their suburbs and see mowed and tidy median strips. Constituents deserve to live in an area they can be proud of. The overgrown median strips make the electorate look like it is neglected and uncared for, with the government dismissing it and saying it is not a priority. Some of these median strips are so overgrown they impede drivers’ vision – their line of sight – when they are trying to turn, thus the potential for an accident and someone being seriously injured is heightened. The government must ensure that the upkeep of median strips is carried out on a more regular basis as part of a road maintenance plan to ensure the safety of all road users and to ensure the people of Croydon can be proud of their electorate.