Bridge rally plan

Jessica Benton
BARWON HEADS residents will discuss a community rally against approved plans to replace the town’s iconic bridge.
State Government last week gave planning and environmental approval to Vicroads’ $40 million plan for a new bridge and an adjacent river crossing for pedestrians.
Friends of the Barwon Heads Bridge’s Bernard Napthine said a committee meeting next week would consider a rally to express the community’s anger to State Government.
“There’s talk of a community rally being held in January,” Mr Napthine said.
“That could be to express our disappointment that it’s going ahead and our dislike at the way local politicians have behaved.
“This is a very bad decision for the future of Barwon Heads and especially when the last processes were all behind closed doors.
“Despite what Vicroads has been saying, there was no community consultation. The meetings were just window dressing not consultation.”
Mr Napthine pointed the finger at local MPs Michael Crutchfield and Lisa Neville.
“Mr Crutchfield has been very disappointing. He’s meant to represent the people but hasn’t put their view forward,” Mr Napthine said.
“It makes it hard if the local politician isn’t backing you and Lisa Neville has been nowhere to be seen.”
The Independent revealed in 2005 the crumbling bridge was “doomed” but in the lead up to the 2006 election Mr Crutchfield and Ms Neville joined former Transport Minister Peter Batchelor to announce it would be “saved”.
A spokesperson for Lisa Neville this week defended the community consultation process.
“Arriving at this decision has been a long process which has involved consultation with and input from the local community,” the spokesperson said.
“There has been a diverse range of views expressed by the community. It’s important to secure better access between Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads so we move forward with the reconstruction of the old bridge and the building of the new one.”
Mr Crutchfield did not return the Independent’s calls for comment.
However, a State Government press release said Mr Crutchfield “welcomed the project commencing”.
“There have been a variety of local community views on this project and I’m certain the community will move forward and support the construction of the new bridge,” he said in the press release.