The Local Roads Survey shows that potholes and poorly planned road closures are the biggest safety issues on regional roads across Armstrong Creek, with poor communication from the City of Greater Geelong causing serious frustration throughout the community.
The results:
- Respondents identified 823 issues, including management of the Armstrong Creek Growth Area, poor collaboration between developers and the City of Greater Geelong, poor infrastructure delivery by developers, and inadequate communication from Council to residents about works.
- The two top issues raised by respondents included potholes and road closures.
- More than 85 percent of respondents raised serious concerns about the impacts of the Horseshoe Bend Road/Boundary Road closures.
- Many of these respondents noted that Warralily Boulevard and Lower Mount Duneed Road Roundabout are becoming gridlocked during peak times as a direct result of these road closures and the Burvilles Road closure.
- 47 percent of respondents raised serious concerns about Boundary Road.
- 38 percent of respondents raised serious concerns about Horseshoe Bend Road.
- 50 percent of respondents are from Charlemont, with many raising concerns about Barwon Heads Road and its intersection with Boundary Road.
My response:
As part of my response to the survey, I have also spoken out on this issue in Federal Parliament, and formally written to the City of Greater Geelong following several discussions, urging Council to:
- review current and upcoming road closures to ensure timely access and egress for residents of the Armstrong Creek area with a focus on Horseshoe Bend, Boundary and Reserve roads, noting the federal government has funded an upgrade for the dangerous Reserve Road and Surf Coast Highway intersection, including traffic lights and turning lanes;
- review the method and distribution of communications to residents, local businesses, traders, educational providers and emergency services to ensure they receive adequate notification of current and upcoming road closures; and
- investigate federal funding opportunities under our expanded Roads to Recovery program, focusing on the maintenance and upgrade of local roads and the Black Spot program.
In response to these recommendations, the Council has now stated it will review communications with residents. Council has also said it will investigate opportunities to fast-track road works and minimise road closures.
I will soon meet with the City of Greater Geelong to ensure Council honours its commitments to deliver better outcomes for the community, to ensure adequate notice is given before road works are undertaken, and there is improved and timely access to local roads.
I do acknowledge that we have significant and rapid growth in Armstrong Creek, but it is up to council and developers to work together and to be strategic when planning the building, maintenance, and access to roadways. As part of this work, developer contribution schemes must effectively recognise the needs of the community
As the federal member, I acknowledge I'm not in charge of local roads in the Armstrong Creek area, but I have a clear role to play in advocating to the City of Greater Geelong to get better outcomes for our communities.
Thank you for making a submission to the survey. I look forward to updating you on our progress; your voices do matter, and you do deserve safe accessible local roads.
I will always work with you and for you.
Libby
