Ramsay wants Midland Highway made safer

LIBERAL Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay says the recent death of footballer Amy Gorell in a car accident highlights the need for upgrades to the Midland Highway.

Ms Gorell, 18, died on September 20 after her car left the highway near Gheringhap and crashed into trees.

“This was not a one-off; in fact, the Midland Highway has a very poor road safety record,” Mr Ramsay said

He said the fatality followed the death of a man in a two-car crash in April near Bannockburn.

“Very sadly, the Hamilton Highway also has a terrible record of accidents and deaths.

“I do acknowledge the government has allocated $10 million for four passing lanes between Bannockburn and Meredith.”

Mr Ramsay urged Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan to direct VicRoads to undertake an immediate inspection of the highway with a focus on areas where serious or fatal accidents have happened.

He said that based on accident statistics, the section of road between the Geelong Ring Road and Bannockburn was most critically in need of upgrade.

The federal and state governments have allocated $2 million to plan a potential duplication of the highway.

“I understand there is some community unrest, particularly around Batesford, for a proposed duplication to go through that town,” Mr Ramsay said.

“I think given the spate of accidents and deaths on this road, the matter is urgent.”

Ms Gorell’s memorial service was held at Simonds Stadium on Tuesday.