Western Victoria Region
Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:53): (1606) My question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety and relates to the concerns of residents about the state of the C161, the Carlisle-Colac Road, specifically around Black Bridge. The terrible accident on that bridge involving truck driver Michelle Pillar has tragically been followed less than three weeks later by a fatality only 1 kilometre south. The biggest problem with this road is inadequate width, and that compounds other problems. On a narrow road, crumbling edges and overgrown vegetation are even more dangerous. This is not a local road, it is a VicRoads arterial route used for farm machinery; heavy vehicles, like milk, timber and livestock transport; commuters; tourists; and even brave cyclists. What it needs is reconstruction and proper maintenance, not speed limits. Minister, when will you commit to a proper review of this road to widen it in sections and to proper maintenance, including vegetation clearance and resurfacing?