Victoria Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu

BLACK FOREST DRIVE RESTORED TO FOUR LANES UNDER BAILLIEU GOVT

Victor P Taffa

Woodend’s Black Forest Drive would be restored to its original four-lane width and the local community, emergency services and councils will be consulted on how to improve road safety in the area under a Baillieu Government.

Speaking to locals at Black Forest Lagoon in Woodend today, Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu said John Brumby had made Black Forest Drive more dangerous with his ill-considered narrowing of the road to two lanes.

“We have listened to the community and will act if elected in November to restore Black Forest Drive to its original four-lane width and improve safety.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“With more than 2,000 requests for the reinstatement of the road to its original condition to Macedon Ranges Council, it is clear John Brumby has not listened to the community.”

“Last month the Coalition demanded John Brumby’s Minister for Roads and Ports to stop these works until the community had been properly consulted.”

“It is now clear John Brumby got this dreadfully wrong.”

“If Labor won’t act to reverse its senseless decision, we will act immediately if elected in four months.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Region Donna Petrovich said roadworks on Black Forest Drive in recent weeks had appalled locals and showed Labor was out of touch with local road dangers such as black ice and heavy fog.

“This road must be restored to its original state and line markings repainted as this road is dangerous even with a reduced speed limit of 70 km/h.” Mrs. Petrovich said.

“Labor has not listened to the warnings of locals and this should be corrected immediately – if not, we will do so if elected in November.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberal Candidate for Macedon Tristan Weston said Black Forest Drive is crucial to evacuation plans in the event of a bushfire.

“This road is in a high fire risk area and is vital in the evacuation of nearby towns.” Mr. Weston said.

“The tragic fires of February 2009 proved clear safe escape routes and access for emergency vehicles are crucial in times of evacuation.”