Construction on the Western Highway duplication project at Buangor will likely finish on time despite a VicRoads planning permit error halting work last month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The roads body failed to correctly complete planning permits and has been forced to stop work until it re-submits the required paperwork.
The state government has come under fire from the opposition and Ripon MP Louise Staley for the stalled project.
But Premier Daniel Andrews said VicRoads were working through the issues involved to fix the planning problems..
“I am disappointed there has been this mix-up in terms of planning,” he said.
“We are going to work through those issues.
“But it is very frustrating this has happened. We are working on it because we know how important this piece of infrastructure is.
“VicRoads tell me there is still every chance that the ultimate timelines, so when the project is finished, it won’t necessarily be impacted by this delay.”
The Buangor to Ararat section of the duplication covers a 12-kilometre stretch of road, which will be widened and re-routed, to include two lanes in each direction.
The project is currently the subject of a supreme court battle between VicRoads and Buangor landowner MairiAnne Mackenzie.
Three women have also applied to have an Aboriginal birthing tree, due to be cut down, protected under Aboriginal heritage laws.
Mr Andrews said the highway duplication would save lives on a dangerous stretch of road.
“This is a critically important piece of infrastructure,” he said.
“There are some people that think saving a tree is more important then saving the lives of motorists who are killed on the road every year.
“That is not my view. We are going to get this done.”
A $4.12 million redevelopment of East Grampians Health Service’s Community Health Centre was announced on Friday.
The premier visited Ararat with Health Minister Jill Hennessy to speak with health service management and staff.
Ms Staley said the premier’s visit was a talkfest, which did nothing to guarantee jobs.
“Jobs are flying out the door fast under Daniel Andrews watch, our communities are suffering, whilst he fails to take any action.” she said.
“There are fewer jobs in Stawell and Ararat under Daniel Andrews, instead of answers to this growing problem we get time wasting talkfests and consultations.
“Daniel Andrews lacked the conviction to make a tough decision on the future of Big Hill, when his government procrastinated on the issue, 150 local workers ended up losing their jobs.”
