Lovell hits out at intersection ‘failure’

LIBERAL Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has criticised the State Government for what she claims is a failure to commit to upgrading a notorious intersection in Epsom.

Ms Lovell’s comments follow the answer to a question she asked of Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne in Parliament in mid-August, seeking details on when works on the intersection of Howard Street and the Midland Highway would be funded and started.

“Construction of this project will be evaluated alongside the needs of other projects in the state and will be considered for inclusion in future programs,” Ms Horne’s response said.

“The Victorian Government recognises this intersection as a priority site for safety improvements.

“In the 2022 state budget the Department of Transport and Planning received $600,000 for the purpose of project development for the intersection.

“DTP has utilised these funds to develop design plans to address safety issues identified at the intersection and to cater for the growth in the precinct.

“The development of the project is nearing completion.”

But Ms Lovell is dissatisfied with that response, singling out Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan for specific criticism.

“Premier Allan should be embarrassed that the most dangerous intersection in Victoria is in her own electorate and she’s done nothing about it,” Ms Lovell said.

“The Midland Highway intersection missed out on funding in the 2024-2025 state budget, and residents of Epsom are deeply frustrated that the state Labor government spends billions of dollars on metropolitan Melbourne projects while the regions have to beg for funds for crucial road safety upgrades.”

The intersection came back into public focus when a recent RACV My Country Road report from a survey of 7000 Victorians named it as the most dangerous in Victoria.

Residents have campaigned for safety improvements at the intersection for several years, with the Epsom Road Safety Group starting a petition for upgrades after two primary school children were hit by a car there in 2021.

Ms Lovell said Ms Horne’s failure to give a firm commitment to a timeline for upgrades meant that planning was now in its third year but remained unfinished.

“Epsom locals will take no comfort from Minister Horne’s words – she won’t commit to funding this project, and has warned that the Midland Highway intersection upgrade will have to compete for funds with other projects in the state,” she said.

Ms Allan’s office was approached for comment. A spokesperson from Ms Horne’s office later said:

“We understand the community’s concerns and that’s why we’re investing $600,000 to make the intersection safer and increase its capacity.”

“Experts are currently working to identify the best way to make it safer for school students and the community.”