Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says the safety of drivers using Grahamvale Rd must be a priority for the Victorian Government.

Ms Sheed said several intersections along the Shepparton Alternate Road had been serious danger hot-spots for too long and has called on the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, to outline what steps the Government was taking to improve safety.

Ms Sheed said the intersections of Grahamvale Rd with Knights Rd and Ford Rd were particularly problematic, with passenger vehicles navigating large trucks travelling at high speed.

“This has been an issue for a long time and it should not be left unaddressed any longer,” Ms Sheed said.

“We’re talking about a narrow road, bordered on one side by railway tracks and on the other by an irrigation channel. We’re sending B-Double trucks along there as part of the Shepparton Alternate Route, but there’s simply not enough room for cars and trucks to coexist safely.

“Constituents have been raising their concerns about the intersections along this stretch of road for decades, my National Party predecessors have spoken of it in Parliament as long ago as 1994, yet little has been done.”

Ms Sheed said while she welcomed the Government’s interest in investing in road upgrades, she said current proposals would not fix the extent of issues on Grahamvale Rd.

“There’s a proposal for a roundabout at Ford Rd which would do wonders for that intersection, but those works won’t improve the safety at Knights Rd or Northey Rd, nor safeguard drivers from the existing risk while we wait for construction to begin,” Ms Sheed said.

“I strongly believe we need an interim measure to ensure the people of Shepparton District can travel safely to and from their homes.”

Ms Sheed said she urged the community to participate in the public consultation on the proposed upgrades to ensure their views were heard.

Minister Donnellan has 28 days to respond to Ms Sheed’s constituency question.

 

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has announced she will recontest the seat at this year’s Victorian election.

Ms Sheed, who was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2014 on a platform of transport, health and education, said she had unfinished business and looked forward to continuing to represent the needs of the Shepparton District community.

“After so many decades of being ignored by consecutive governments, Shepparton District is finally getting the attention it deserves,” Ms Sheed said.

“Momentum is building. We’re seeing progress on rail, the first stage of our hospital redevelopment is underway, we have the Government’s support for a fundamental transformation of our secondary school system and the community’s concerns about farmers’ access to water under the Murray Darling Basin Plan are being heard by key decision-makers.

“It has been a fantastic first term in Parliament, so much has been achieved, but there is so much more to be done.”

Ms Sheed said more funding for track works and new rolling stock for the Shepparton train line would be her number one priority in the lead up to the November election.

“Hundreds of millions of dollars is required to upgrade the tracks between Shepparton and Seymour to allow VLocity-type trains to travel on them and I want to see that happen,” Ms Sheed said.

“Improved connectivity is vital to our region’s prosperity and I strongly believe that message is finally cutting through.

“I also want to see a commitment to the second stage of Goulburn Valley Health, including a cancer centre and a mother-baby unit, and funding for the full rollout of the Shepparton Education Plan to give our young people the best start to life we can.”

Ms Sheed said it was an honour to represent the people of Shepparton District.

“It is such a privilege to travel throughout the electorate and meet so many wonderful people who are passionate about our community,” Ms Sheed said.

“The support I have received in this role from the community, my staff, and of course my husband, Dr Peter Eastaugh, has been invaluable and I look forward to continuing to work together to achieve the outcomes this region deserves.”

 

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.