Go south, Vicroads told Break backed

Alex de Vos
Breakwater residents yesterday praised a council decision urging State Government to divert a proposed road project away from their homes.
Breakwater’s Cheryl Pihema said she was “so happy” councillors had joined residents in their fight against Vicroads’ plans for a new bridge linking to Fellmongers Road.
The plan threatens demolition of five Breakwater homes and “partial acquisition” of 11 other properties at a cost of $40 million.
Residents have fought a long-running battle against the plan, urging Vicroads to send the project further south through industrial land.
A panel has been hearing submissions on the plan in Geelong this week.
Councillors voted on Tuesday night to support the southern option to link the new bridge with Leather Street.
Ms Pihema said the council decision was “absolutely a positive step in our direction”.
“But it’s still hard to say whether it’s the option we’re going to get,” she said.’
“It seems what the Government wants is what the Government gets.”
Ward councillor John Mitchell said councillors backed the southerly route unanimously.
“We feel it’s the right option to support,” Cr Mitchell said.
“We need the infrastructure but we think this option would have the least impact on the residents.
“We also suggested (State Government) needs to continue exploring a route further south at the back of St Albans Park to hook the Bellarine Peninsula to the ring road.”
Cr Mitchell said the southerly option would cost some industrial sites and $63 million.
“It’s obviously more costly but that cost shouldn’t be the only factor,” Cr Mitchell said.