Wednesday, 19 June 2024

 Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (10:00): I rise today to raise concerns on behalf of my constituents in Clyde North, specifically in relation to the significantly worsening traffic situation at the corner of Soldiers Road and Thompsons Road. I have heard from countless residents now about these issues on these two roads, which are completely no longer fit for purpose in what is a fast-growing area. I note that as the manager of these roads Casey council is undergoing the process of extending Bells Road through to Thompsons Road, which will significantly address and fix this situation. However, I share the residents’ concerns that those works by council have been delayed. I have reached out to council, and I am looking forward to continuing to have productive conversations with council about how we can get this project done as quickly as possible. As a user of the roads in the area myself, I know firsthand how much of a traffic nightmare the intersection of Soldiers Road and Thompsons Road has become. The state government is doing its bit as well. We have invested in the forthcoming works to significantly upgrade the Thompsons Road and Clyde Road intersection, and of course there is the recently announced funding for new bus services in the Clyde North area, the extension of both the 831 and the 798 routes, which will significantly improve and alleviate congestion in the long term as well. But in the near term this is a major traffic issue which is causing grief for my constituents, and I call on Casey council to finish these works as soon as possible.