The Nationals’ Melina Bath has called on the Minister for Roads to act on overgrown tea-tree obscuring motorists view at the Agar and Corinella Rd intersection near Coronet Bay in state parliament.
Describing the intersection as “notoriously dangerous”, Ms Bath highlighted concerns over coastal tea tree growth along the roadside reserve which obstructs visibility of oncoming traffic.
“I was sent a video clearly illustrating the substantial risk posed by blocked vision at this intersection,” Ms Bath said.
“It’s unacceptable that drivers are forced to encroach beyond stop lines to see if it’s safe to turn.
“Residents are frustrated that the work performed to trim the trees has not improved their vision of oncoming traffic when turning right towards the Bass Highway.
“This intersection has a history of road safety crashes – a former Liberal Nationals federal government provided funding to install edge lines, raised reflective pavement markers, guideposts, and guardrails – but state Labor is not adequately maintaining it.
“Given the history of the Agar and Corinella Rd intersection, committing to quality roadside maintenance is crucial.
“The state government’s decision to drop the speed limit to 60 km/hr has slowed traffic but it has not addressed the visual impediment”.
Ms Bath’s call for action follows revelation during Parliament’s Public Accounts and Estimates Committee the Allan Government is slashing road repairs by 75 per cent in the 2024/2025 financial year, along with a $88 million cut from its Road Safety Fund.
“It’s critical that Labor properly resource VicRoads to get on top of slashing and management of roadside vegetation to improve driver safety and also mitigate fire risks in rural areas.
“Despite a rising road toll, Labor’s budget papers show the area of road subject to resurfacing or rehabilitation will have been reduced statewide from 12 million square metres two year ago to just three million square metres next year.
“The road maintenance budget in Victoria is now 16% lower than in 2020, Labor’s severe cuts have left our regional roads in a precarious state.
“I call on the Minster for Roads to properly address the overgrown roadside vegetation on the Agar and Corinella Road intersection and prioritise the safety of Bass Coast road users.”
