Wednesday, 19 June 2024

 Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:46): (934) For some time now locals in my electorate, in Ringwood, have been campaigning, rightly, for an improvement to an intersection – that is, the intersection at Eastfield Road where it intersects with Railway Avenue. So it was somewhat surprising, although welcome, to see a number of my colleagues in this place make an announcement with the state minister. Sadly, I must have missed the invitation to that little event that morning. But nonetheless I am very proud and enthusiastic for those who were present, just disappointed I was not there to share in the joy. I could see the joy in the photographs posted all over social media. Obviously it was a cold morning, but nonetheless it was a proud moment. I am very curious and keen to understand from the Minister for Roads and Road Safety how much the state government contributed to this particular black spot funding program – I do not know why they continue to call it that, but they do – and, more importantly perhaps for the local people and for the children who have to cross the road, for the car users and for all the road users, when that project will actually see fruition, because we need it sooner rather than later.