Thursday, 18 August 2022

White Hill Road, Dromana

Ms BURNETT-WAKE (Eastern Victoria) (18:05): (2072) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. The action that I seek is for the minister to work with Torello Farm and the Department of Transport to come to an agreement on sharing the costs of road upgrades to White Hill Road, Dromana. I thank Liberal candidate for Nepean Sam Groth for raising this issue with me. Torello Farm is a local produce business that prides itself on its organic agriculture processes. It employs many locals and sells fruit and vegetables on behalf of around 70 local farmers. On top of this the business is plastic bag free and has a strong focus on giving back to the community. They have participated in the farm to schools program and frequently donate to food banks to support disadvantaged Victorians.

A few years ago Torello Farm changed its operational permits and notified all stakeholders. As the business is located on White Hill Road, this included notifying the Department of Transport. Torello management was informed it would need to install a slip lane outside the entrance at its own cost. They had plans developed by the Department of Transport’s engineer and took those plans to an asphalting company, where they were quoted just over $50 000 for the works. They were happy to do this. The plans were then passed on to the department to be signed off. However, at this stage the department added an extensive list of new specifications that had to be included in the design. These things ranged from traffic management to drainage works, signage and pavement design. The department also insisted that lights be installed despite the fact the farm only has a permit to open until 6.00 pm all year round. Torello Farm had the updated plans quoted again by multiple companies and were told the works would now cost over $240 000.

In June Torello’s management was informed that the department is now planning upgrades on the same road and that roadworks will end exactly where the Torello roadworks start. Management feels that specifications were added to their original plans in order to cover some of the department’s planned upgrades to White Hill Road rather than things directly relevant to their slip lane. There is no way Torello Farm can afford up to $240 000 for road upgrades. They would have no choice but to close their business, which would be a huge loss to the Mornington Peninsula community. They would ideally like to reach a solution with the department on sharing the costs that are reasonable and affordable for their small business. They have been advised there is no budget to share the cost and that no revisions to the plans can be made.

I call on the minister to work with Torello Farm and the Department of Transport to come to an agreement on sharing the costs of road upgrades to White Hill Road, Dromana. Otherwise this valued local business and employer will be forced to close its doors.