Wednesday, 6 March 2024

Thompsons Road bike path

Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:24): (762) My subject tonight is the urgent action required to address hazardous conditions on the Thompsons Road bike path. My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and the action I seek is for the minister to urgently fix a critical issue of maintenance and care plaguing the Thompsons Road bike path, particularly along the stretch from the McCormicks Road roundabout to the Western Port Highway in Lyndhurst. A constituent of mine, who is a concerned member of the community and is part of a group of recreational cyclists using the area, is deeply troubled by the deteriorating conditions of this bike path and the safety for riders. The area has become an eyesore and is posing a significant hazard to bike riders due to the encroachment of noxious weeds, hard rubbish and general disrepair. Every Saturday morning the group embarks on a cycling journey from Sandhurst to Lynbrook railway station and Marriott Waters shopping centre, dodging overgrowth over the path, which is making the ride more of a hazard than a recreational pursuit. The Thompsons Road bike path is overrun with blackberry bushes, gorse bushes, wild grasses and weeds, all of which are rapidly encroaching upon the path itself. Additionally, overhanging tree branches and dumped hard rubbish further exacerbate the dangers faced by the cyclists.

Despite repeated efforts by my constituent, including personal visits to the local member of Parliament’s electoral office with photographic evidence, the response has been inadequate and delayed. While some action was eventually taken to remove some of the dumped hard rubbish, the core issue of hazardous overgrowth remains unresolved. It is evident that this pathway urgently requires some mechanical slashing on both sides, followed by targeted spraying of poison to eradicate the remaining roots of the blackberry brambles and gorse bushes. Understanding that the responsibility for this matter may fall under the jurisdiction of the state government, the involvement of both Dandenong and Frankston city councils I realise does complicate the situation. But my constituent has said it has become challenging to identify the appropriate authority now to address and rectify this unsightly and dangerous mess. The safety and wellbeing of cyclists and pedestrians utilising the Thompsons Road bike path must be prioritised. I urge you to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that appropriate measures are taken without further delay. Your intervention in this matter could prevent potential accidents and injuries. I sincerely hope, Minister, you will heed this urgent call for action.