Thursday, 4 December 2025

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (12:54): (2070) My question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. Will the minister commit to funding the upgrade of the High Street and Urquhart Street intersection in Woodend in the 2026–27 state budget? This four-way intersection is notoriously risky, with no traffic lights and a confusing layout with service lanes merging into the junction. In February I asked the minister to expedite the release of draft designs so that public consultation could begin. The minister did not release the designs, but Transport Victoria says that it has been privately seeking feedback from local residents and businesses. Final designs are supposed to be released online in late 2025, but it is December and nothing is available yet. Even if the planning is complete, no funding for construction work has been allocated. The Woodend community are desperate for this intersection upgrade, and it is a priority project for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council. The minister must fund the intersection upgrade in the next state budget.

Sitting suspended 12:55 pm until 2:02 pm.