Liberals pledge $1 million to fix dangerous intersection if elected

OCEAN Grove’s Kelli Finlayson says she is so proud of her community and its support following news an elected Liberal Government will inject $1 million to fix a notoriously dangerous intersection.

Shadow Minister for Roads David Hodgett, Liberal Candidate for Bellarine Brian McKiterick and Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay met with locals on Friday to announce their government would fix safety and congestion at the intersection of Orton Street and Presidents Avenue.

The pledge comes after a petition calling on local MPs and councilors to fix the intersection as a priority– launched by Mrs Finlayson back in April – attracted 2,250 signatures.

Mrs Finlayson’s petition was inspired by her son Austin’s good friend Tyler Peace, who was knocked from his motorbike at the intersection on his way home from work on April 23.

Since then he has undergone multiple surgeries to screw and plate broken bones, spent three months in a wheelchair and is still undergoing constant physiotherapy, with more surgery to come.

“My husband David and I started this campaign together and we are so proud of the community we live in,” Mrs Finlayson said.

“I never expected this amount of backing or support.” A Liberal-Nationals Government will work with the City of Greater Geelong to deliver a solution to traffic congestion and road safety at the location.

Community consultation will also be conducted to provide the best long-term design and allow for residents to have their voices heard on the important community issue.

Traffic volumes on Orton Street have increased in recent years, substantially increasing the risk for motorists and pedestrians.

Mr McKiterick said he had spoken with many local residents who were deeply concerned about safety at the busy and dangerous intersection.

“That’s why I’ve been working with the community and Matthew Guy’s team to fix the design of this area and make it safe for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists,” he said.

Mrs Finlayson said she was excited and in disbelief following the funding announcement last week.

“There has been a lot of noise about that intersection for years, but now we are fighting this because of a personal reason so we will keep on going,” she said.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said she had been working with VicRoads and with the Roads Minister’s office to identify and cost the best solution to save lives at the intersection.

“Once that work is completed, I will be in a position to outline the best intervention at the intersection,” Ms Neville said.

To sign the petition visit change.org and search “Fix horror intersection – Cnr Presidents & Orton, Ocean Grove, Victoria”