Tuesday, 28 July 2026

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (13:15): (2439) My question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. Why has the Labor government failed to make progress on the safety upgrades to the Heygarth Street and Hare Street intersection in Echuca? In June 2024 the federal black spot program provided $435,000 to the Victorian government to implement safety upgrades, including a wombat crossing at the intersection of Heygarth Street and Hare Street in Echuca’s historic tourist district. Program guidelines require that works are physically completed within the two financial years after the funding approval. It is now two years since the funding was awarded, but nothing has been done other than the installation of new streetlights. The state Labor government’s delay in getting work started means funding is now at risk of being withdrawn, leaving pedestrians to face heightened risk at this black spot. The minister for roads must order upgrade works to start immediately while the funds are still available.