Libs go back to basics in final week

ROADS and schools have been the focus of local Liberal Party pledges as the State election campaign headed into its final week.

In Creswick, current Member for Ripon, Louise Staley, brought money for show and tell at St Augustine’s Primary School, while on the other side of the city the Midland Highway was the focus of attention.

There, Liberal Candidate for Eureka, Paul Tatchell, was pitching $5 million for safety upgrades along the thoroughfare.

The site of a number of crashes, especially at the Warrenheip Street and Midland Highway roundabout, a statement from the Opposition Coalition said, “We will work with council and local community to deliver the best solutions to improve road safety for road users and pedestrians” in the area.

“These upgrades must be a priority to avoid any more accidents, yet the Government has been sitting on its hands,” said Liberal Candidate for Eureka, Paul Tatchell.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals are listening to the community’s concern and will get on will delivering these life-saving safety upgrades.”

In October this year current Labor Member for Buninyong, and Mr Tatchell’s opponent, Michaela Settle, announced the formation of a community road safety advisory group to look at the issue.

That followed the installation of extra signage at the top of the rise leading into the town along the Midland Highway from the south east.

Possible solutions according to the Coalition’s could include “upgraded pedestrian crossings, new digital speed signs, and the use of a roundabout to reduce truck speeds.”

Back at Creswick on Monday, Ms Staley was also making multi-million-dollar commitments.

At St Augustine’s Primary School she pledged $3 million for works on classrooms and other areas.

“Here in Creswick, St Augustine’s Primary has big plans further to integrate the school with the community, and this project is a big part of their dream,” she said.

“This commitment acknowledges the important role non-government schools play in educating and supporting students.

“Non-government schools are a rapidly growing sector that delivers considerable benefits to local communities and deserves to be supported.”