Shire demands bipartisan attack on Bacchus Marsh traffic woes

MOORABOOL Shire Council is calling for a bipartisan solution at national and state levels to traffic congestion problems in Bacchus Marsh.

Councillor Rod Ward tabled a notice of motion at the council’s 17 December meeting that letters seeking joint action on the problem be sent to the State Government and the Opposition as well as the Federal Government and the Opposition.

Cr Ward’s motion described the problem of traffic congestion in the town as “crippling”. It was carried unanimously and without debate.

The letters will note that there has been a recognisable need for an ‘eastern link’ since advocacy for such a road began more than 25 years ago, and that the need has grown significantly.

“Much of the town’s local traffic and north-south regional traffic [is] funnelled through a single intersection in the town centre that is experiencing significant congestion and queuing,” the motion said.

“An eastern bypass of Bacchus Marsh from Geelong Road to Gisborne Road with a freeway interchange would alleviate congestion at the Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road interchange that sees in excess of 280,000 heavy vehicle movements annually.”

The motion said establishing a road corridor for that link is critical so that future alignments can be set and land use determined.

“Since advocacy commenced in the late 1990s the population of Bacchus Marsh has grown from 11,729 to 26,763 (growth of 128 per cent),” it said.

“The town’s population is expected to reach 55,566 in 2046 (growth of 374 per cent).

“Significantly, the Merrimu Precinct Structure Plan area is expected to be home to approximately 20,000 residents in 7000 homes.

“This development will result in large numbers of residents in this precinct, adding to the already heavily congested and gridlocked Gisborne Road traffic.”

Among its other points, Cr Ward’s motion said the Shire had been asked by the State Government to cater for 20,000 new homes by 2035.

“This will significantly impact traffic congestion, and the State and Federal governments are duty bound to help deliver the road infrastructure to accommodate this growth,” it said.

The motion said there are no plans for an eastern link road even after 28 years of advocacy, consultation and a $3 million planning study that took eight years to complete, with no details of a possible timeline on the Transport Victoria website.

“Everyone has recognised the critical need for an eastern link solution to the Bacchus Marsh increasingly crippling traffic congestion for over two decades,” it said.

“Can we just get on with it?”

At the state level, letters will go to Premier Jacinta Allan, relevant ministers and MPs, and Opposition leader Jess Wilson and relevant portfolio spokespeople.

Federally, letters will be sent to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; Ballarat-based Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King; and Member for Hawke and Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley, Nationals leader David Littleproud and Ms King’s Opposition counterpart Bridget McKenzie will also receive letters.