It’s a privilege to work with people, community groups, service organisations and local businesses to help deliver for our community.
It’s been fantastic to have thousands of residents so far participate in the Evelyn Community Survey, which makes sure I know about the issues that matter most to you.
Among a number of key issues, you have voiced your concerns about the quality and safety of our local roads, and as your local representative I’ll keep working to get the investment in our electorate that we deserve.
One of my commitments to you is to advocate strongly for local road upgrades.
Earlier this year the Coldstream community was finally successful in their campaign for funding which will ensure traffic lights at the dangerous intersection of Killara Road and Maroondah Highway becomes a reality.
A similar campaign is gaining momentum with the Seville East community.
Safety upgrades are urgently needed on the dangerous stretch of Warburton Highway in Seville East that includes Peters, Joyce, Sunnyside and Douthie roads.
There has been at least 20 vehicle accidents involving injuries and one fatality recorded at this stretch since 2014, and locals have told me there are probably many more rear-end bumps that go unrecorded.
I have listened to residents, police and CFA volunteers who have shared stories of vehicle crashes at this location, and the fears for the safety of school children when crossing from the bus stops either side.
With the State Budget due at the end of this month, I’ve written to the State Government Minister for Roads and followed up by making a statement in the Victorian Parliament, seeking an assurance from the government that funds will be allocated to make this stretch of road safer before another unnecessary tragedy.
Tragically, there have been 114 lives lost on Victorian roads already this year, including an 85 per cent increase in deaths on country roads from this time last year.
It’s not fair for our community or the police, CFA or SES who have to attend.
I pay tribute to the local residents who have volunteered to set up Seville East Traffic Safety Group, conducting a fantastic, well-attended public meeting where we kicked off the Parliamentary petition that I’m sponsoring.
Anyone who supports the call for funding safety upgrades at Warburton Highway in Seville East can sign the petition at the Evelyn Electorate Office, 143 Main Street, Lilydale.
