MP bypass row

By Ed Merrison
GEMBROOK Liberal MP Simon Wildes has waded into the Belgrave bypass project debate, accusing local Labor MPs of ‘peddling a scare campaign against a bypass’.
Mr Wildes responded to local Labor opposition to a bypass by saying comments by Monbulk MP James Merlino and Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato reflected the State Government’s inability to handle major projects.
“Managed correctly, a bypass will deliver significant benefits to traffic congestion, local traders and tourism.
“Because they have been unsuccessful at securing funding, the Labor MPs are now trying to divert attention from this failure by peddling a scare campaign against a bypass.”
Mr Wildes linked the MPs’ opposition to what he called their failure to support the concept of a duplication of the Belgrave train line between Belgrave and Ferntree Gully and the provision of a third line between Ringwood and Box Hill.
Mr Wildes said these too were upgrades that would significantly reduce travel times for Hills commuters.
“So, local Labor MPs have told the local community exactly how they plan to improve roads and transport in the area – they plan to do nothing,” he said.
Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood also criticised Mr Merlino and Ms Lobato’s response, questioning how they had come up with a ‘totally exaggerated’ figure of $60 million for the bypass.
“$60 million? Tell them they’re dreaming. The only way it would cost $60 million is if we left it to the State Government to build it, with their deplorable record on major transport projects and budget blow outs,” he said.
It is currently unknown how much a solution to Belgrave’s traffic congestion will cost, but a 2001 VicRoads report put the figure for a bypass at approximately $22 million.
Shire of Yarra Ranges community relations manager last week estimated it might cost anywhere between $35 million and $60 million, but Mr Wood said a feasibility study was urgently required to give a fairer idea.
“It all comes down to the feasibility study to decide what is the best solution.
“That is what we’re relying on with the Shire of Yarra Ranges but the other party won’t even come to the table to discuss how to go forward with this,” Mr Wood said.
Mr Merlino hit back at the accusations of a scare campaign, asking the Liberal MPs to come clean over the nature of the bypass concept.
“Is this proposal for a Los Angeles-style freeway overpass Liberal Party policy or not?
“I reject any suggestion that to resolve traffic issues in Belgrave it must involve massive concrete pylons and a road 14 metres above residents’ heads.
“This is just another example of reckless promises by Liberal Party candidates in this area who have no regard for the environment, the impact on the community and local traders or the $60 million price tag,” he said.
Amid the funding disagreements, Dandenong Ranges Tourism Association president Louis Hesterman said there was a strong need for both parties to come together and agree that a traffic problem existed.
“If they put their heads together and are gracious about it, we can come up with a better outcome for the community,” he said.
Mr Hesterman said more than one proposal for a solution was called for and a high level of community involvement required in what he termed ‘a pressing concern’ for Belgrave and the Dandenongs.
“I am delighted that the debate is occurring. It’s been put in the ‘too-hard basket’ for too long and it’s not OK for it to stay there.
“We’ve got to revisit it,” he said.