A Victorian local council has called on the state government to complete a crucial bypass to ensure up to 50 trucks no longer pass through main roads each hour in peak times and “protect the community”.
The Cardinia Shire Council has joined with community groups to express its concern to the Victorian government that its proposed expansion of the Lang Lang sand mine in Victoria’s west will make local roads more dangerous.
The council has objected to the proposed Ministerial Planning Scheme for the project, with Cardinia Shire Council chief executive Carol Jeffs writing to Victoria planning minister Sonya Kilkenny to outline a plan to fast-track a critical bypass that would take trucks off main thoroughfares.
“We acknowledge the government’s requirement for more local sand to deliver on your Big Build agenda, but that must not come at increased risk to our community,” Jeffs says.
“The council must act to protect our community and if the government’s amendment was to proceed in its current form, there is no doubt that the increased number of quarry trucks – and particularly the B-double and B-triple trucks – using the Lang Lang town centre will increase the danger to residents, in particular young children and seniors, as well as the noise, dust and damage to roads.
“These giant trucks pass schools, homes and shops and there is already completely understandable widespread concern in our community and we would expect significant public opposition to any proposal that will increase the risk.”
For almost two decades, the council has been advocating for the delivery of the Lang Lang Truck Bypass Road to be implemented in order to improve community safety and amenity in the town.
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Council analysis suggests truck traffic through Lang Lang’s town centre has increased significantly in recent years, heightening the need to get the bypass introduced.
In Westernport Road, an average of between 25 and 30 trucks drive through the town centre every hour – one every two minutes in peak times – including school drop-off peak hour.
On McDonalds Track, between 40-50 trucks using the road every hour – one every 1.2 mins – in peak times.
The council’s plan involves the introduction of a public acquisition overlay (PAO) to the remaining sections of land needing to be acquired for the truck bypass road and to ensure the bypass is built before any new or expanded quarry proposals are approved.
On top of this, the council also wants the state government to fund any land or construction acquisitions for the bypass while ensuring transport zone two (TZ2) is applied to the bypass road once it’s completed.
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik says council was consulting with the local community to ensure the government is aware of the critical importance of the safety issue.
“We have been disappointed by the lack of response from the government to date regarding the need for the truck bypass,” Kowarzik says.
“The state government’s new proposal to expand the sand mine and add to truck traffic means the time to act is now.”
Council is also requesting the state government do proper due to diligence on the environment impact.
Lang Lang District Business and Community Group president Peter Smith supported the Council’s resolution and requested the state government respect the interests of the local community.
“Council confirms that the exhibited SERA Technical Background Report does not adequately identify, discuss and respond to relevant state and local planning provisions relating to amenity, traffic and infrastructure to strategically justify the application of the proposed SRO1,” Smith says.
“This represents a total failure of public policy. The situation continues to create stress and heartache for many in the local Lang Lang and district population.”
“The state government SERA proposal for Lang Lang is so wrong and should not proceed in its current form.”
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