Thursday, 20 February 2025

Waterloo Road–Lloyd Street, Moe

Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (17:24): (1027) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and the action I seek is a detailed explanation of why long-promised upgrades at the intersection of Waterloo Road and Lloyd Street in Moe have still not commenced. Some four years ago Moe residents were told this particular intersection was earmarked for upgrades, with an acknowledgement from Labor that it posed an unacceptable and persistent risk for road users. More than 13,500 vehicles cross the tracks at Waterloo Road and Lloyd Street every day, and there have been at least three serious crashes at the intersection in the last two years. Vehicles, including trucks and buses, frequently queue short-stacked across the train tracks, and it is no exaggeration to say that this current intersection could possibly be a death trap in waiting.

I stood in this place 15 months ago and asked the minister for an urgent update and was told preconstruction activities, including land acquisition and utility service relocations, would happen mid-2024. Given it is now 2025 and there is still no action at the intersection of Lloyd Street and Waterloo Road, Moe residents have justifiably expressed concerns about the project and when it will start. Residents have been waiting for these desperately needed upgrades that seem to be dragging on and on and on. Minister, the intersection has been identified as dangerous and needs to be addressed as a matter of utmost urgency.

In regional Victoria we are fed up with constantly hearing this Labor government boast about the level crossing removal projects in Melbourne while we scream and shout for some attention to the paid to our roads. If this government can remove 84 level crossings in Melbourne in five years, then surely it can get on with delivering one crucial safety upgrade to a single intersection in Moe that has been promised for four years. Minister, can you please explain to the people of Moe why works at the Lloyd Street intersection have not commenced.