Tuesday, 26 November 2024

 Jess WILSON (Kew) (13:01): I rise to speak about the issues that many residents of Kew have raised about maintenance and safety on our local roads. Unfortunately potholes are becoming a real safety concern in many locations. We often speak about this in the regional context, but it is very true for metropolitan Melbourne as well. In my electorate, on several points along Doncaster Road in North Balwyn, on Balwyn Road between Whitehorse Road and Mont Albert Road and on Studley Park Road in Kew, potholes are increasingly becoming dangerous for motorists.

Pedestrian crossings can also assist the safety of many on our roads in our community. I have previously made representations to the minister regarding the need for pedestrian crossings on Barkers Road near Methodist Ladies’ College on Kew; Willsmere Road near the corner of Earl Street, near the roundabout, where many pedestrians cross every day; and at the route 16 tram terminus at the intersection of Cotham and Glenferrie roads, where the tram terminus is set far back from the actual pedestrian crossing. Residents have also expressed concern about the lack of a safe pedestrian crossing on Mont Albert Road. I ask the minister to look at these pedestrian crossings as a matter of urgency.

I also want to raise the longstanding concerns of residents who live on Yarra Boulevard that need attention, from the noise of speeding motorists to intrusive lighting continuing to impact residents overnight, and I hope there is an opportunity for community consultation on stage 2 of the works very soon. I ask the Minister for Roads and Road Safety to look at these issues as soon as possible.