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“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.<\/p>\n
“The town’s population is expected to reach 55,566 in 2046 (growth of 374 per cent).<\/p>\n
“Significantly, the Merrimu Precinct Structure Plan area is expected to be home to approximately 20,000 residents in 7000 homes.<\/p>\n
“This development will result in large numbers of residents in this precinct, adding to the already heavily congested and gridlocked Gisborne Road traffic.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Can we just get on with it?”<\/p>\n
At the state level, letters will go to Premier Jacinta Allan, relevant ministers and MPs, and Opposition leader Jess Wilson and relevant portfolio spokespeople.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Opposition leader Sussan Ley, Nationals leader David Littleproud and Ms King’s Opposition counterpart Bridget McKenzie will also receive letters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n