ALL sides are waiting to hear when the State Government will commit its share of the funds for the Yarra Glen bypass.
On Monday the Shire of Yarra Ranges said it would accept the Federal Government’s funding offer of $5.5 million after it was offered last week.
The State Government has said it will commit $9 million some time between now and 2010 but federal funding conditions stipulate that the money must be spent within a restricted time limit or else it will be recalled.
The Yarra Glen bypass will be built on a state road and is a State Government responsibility but so far the Bracks Government is the only party not to formally contribute any funds to the project.
The Federal Government announced its contribution of $5.5 million last week, with the Shire of Yarra Ranges adding $500,000.
However, so far the only timeframe the State Government has given to funding the project is within its current term.
“In regard to the funding all I can say at this point is that the Bracks Government remains committed to the Yarra Glen truck bypass and stand by our promise to deliver the $9 million funding for the Yarra Glen truck bypass during this term,” Seymour MP Ben Hardman told the Mail.
The Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce, however, is convinced the funds will come through sooner rather than later.
The president, vice-president and secretary of the chamber all said they had spoken to Mr Hardman who had assured them he was working on delivering the money as soon as possible.
Vice-president of Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce Chris Lamacraft said he got off the phone to Mr Hardman feeling confident that there would be an announcement within the next few weeks.
“My understanding is that the funding will be announced very soon,” Mr Lamacraft said.
“I’d bank my house on it.”
Secretary of Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce Frank Hoogenraad was a little less optimistic.
“I urge (Transport Minister) Tim Pallas to find the matching $9 million funding so the project can go ahead,” he said.
“If they don’t I cannot express the outrage the community is going to feel.”
– Melissa Donchi
