During her visit to see construction of the town’s new aged care facility last Friday, Member for Northern Victoria Region Jaclyn Symes delivered promising news towards improving Main Street safety in the short term.
“I’m meeting with council this afternoon and will have something to say in about a month. I promise to let you know,” she told The Free Press.
Indigo Shire Council’s Mayor Sophie Price and CEO Trevor Ierino met with Ms Symes. “She was hopeful but there was no announcement,” the CEO said.
“Jacylyn was interested to hear our views on behalf of the community. We’ve been lobbying with the state government for them to honour that remaining money for Main Street safety.”
Mr Ierino said the state government has done some work from that $2 million earmarked for Main Street, including traffic counts, with $1.3 million available for safety measures to be introduced.
In the meantime, a petition containing 741 signatures for increased safety measures was sent by Rutherglen’s Roberta Horne on Tuesday for the Minister for Local Government and Roads, Melissa Horne (no relation).
Along with the installation of proper pedestrian crossings at the post office and newsagent, and the replacement of 1-dimensional speed humps at the end of each end of the street, the petition calls for the release of the Rutherglen Original Destination report.
Produced at a cost of $690,000 but never released, this study was to inform the plan the then Federal Minister for Transport Darren Chester called for when pledging $2 million from the Coalition if they were returned to power and if matched dollar for dollar by the state. Last November that $2 million was withdrawn by the Federal Government.
The petition also requests the Victorian Minister for Roads to ensure the $2 million balance of funds put aside for planning as part of the $4 million 2016 election promises by both governments is totally for improving safety in Main Street.
Main Street Rutherglen has been a safety issue for decades with its narrowness and substantial vehicle use including trucks throughout each day. Near misses and accidents continue.
On March 28 this year, a 77-year-old Rutherglen woman was struck by a car in Main Street whilst crossing the street and died as a result.
Earlier this year, on March 15, a truck collided with a car, power pole and The Other Place café. Substantial damage was done and electricity was out for over 24 hours.
Locals want action now. The town’s newsagent Dianne Taborsky said it was alright having long-term 20 to 30 year plans. “But we have to improve safety now. It’s not acceptable to have a community in fear,” she said.
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