Thursday, 17 October 2024

 Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (19:02): (1200) My adjournment tonight is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, and the action that I seek relates to the Pakenham roads upgrade package, which was originally promised at the beginning of 2019 by the federal coalition government. The project is to be delivered in three stages. While construction began in February last year, with more than $160 million spent on the project so far, stage 1 works still have yet to be completed. The result has been ongoing disruption to both individuals and businesses in Pakenham and Officer for more than a year and a half. Every morning traffic on the M1 grinds to a halt as cars queue up on the Pakenham turn-off. Local businesses have reported the loss of dozens of customers per day because of the roadworks. The disruptions have only worsened since the inbound entry ramps for the freeway have been reduced to one lane while other works are taking place. Meanwhile, despite the building of new lanes on the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, I am told that just last night the very same road was riddled with potholes. Minister, I am aware that this project was fully funded by the former coalition government, despite your press release earlier this week trying to claim some credit. However, as the project has been delayed by Major Road Projects Victoria, I ask: when will we finally see an end to these relentless roadworks disruptions happening across Pakenham and Officer?