Wednesday, 13 May 2026

 Chris CREWTHER (Mornington) (09:54): I rise to raise ongoing concerns about the safety at Mornington-Tyabb Road and Racecourse Road intersection in Mornington. The issue has been raised repeatedly by locals over many years, yet meaningful action has still not occurred. Despite repeated correspondence to the state Labor government’s Minister for Roads and Road Safety, families continue to receive what feel like generic responses while the danger remains unchanged. I particularly acknowledge residents like Adam Kelso, Paddy Fricker and Tony Oliver, who have continued to advocate strongly and constructively on this matter and who have now set up a hard-copy petition, which is sponsored by me, which can be found at the link bit.ly/racecourserd. Anyone who wants to download that, share it and sign it can then return it to my office or to one of those three people.

Their concerns are urgent. This intersection is used by schoolchildren, who are walking, cycling and scooting along Racecourse Road. Locals continue to report near misses and dangerous crossing conditions, particularly during peak school times. Children along with older residents are being expected to cross where vehicles pick up speed downhill, several traffic movements converge and morning glare can reduce visibility. It is not reasonable to expect young people and indeed older people to navigate these conditions. Residents are also frustrated that road and public transport changes, including new bus stops, while needed, can proceed without proper consideration of pedestrian safety. The community has put forward sensible ideas, such as temporary portable traffic lights during school drop-off and pick-up periods, while permanent works are assessed.