Croydon electorate
David HODGETT (Croydon) (14:49): (1252) My question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and I ask: will the minister fund the vital upgrades to Dorset Road between Hull Road, Croydon and Maroondah Highway, Croydon North? In 2019 the Australian government funded $50 million through the Urban Congestion Fund to upgrade this section of road. By early 2022 the Victorian government had developed a business case for the project. However, by the October 2022–23 federal budget the Australian government withdrew the funding. Congestion on this primary north–south arterial road that runs through Maroondah has only increased over the subsequent years. As a result Dorset Road experiences significant traffic volume pressure, with peak afternoon queuing extending well over 900 metres. It is also worth noting this section of road is currently constructed to a rural standard, with limited or no kerb and channel and missing sections of footpath that place pedestrians at risk. This long-overdue upgrade to this section of Dorset Road would significantly reduce traffic congestion and drastically improve community and pedestrian safety. It must be delivered now.