Panel review for 4C route

Kim Waters
STATE Government will appoint an advisory panel next week to review a controversial Geelong bypass link to Surf Coast Highway, Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced.
He said the panel would seek submissions but would not review the 4C link’s “entire” consultation process under the former Brumby Government.
“We’ve been through that and we don’t need to go through it again. The community doesn’t want that, they just want some certainty for a decision.
“They’ll get a chance to put forward submissions to the independent panel.”
The Liberals pledged to review the 4C route in the lead up to November’s state election. Grovedale residents have slammed the route, fearing damage to property values from traffic and noise.
Mr Guy said his meeting with Grovedale residents on Wednesday was “terrific and productive”.
“The advisory panel will speak to stakeholders like community members, council and VicRoads and ask for submissions. The panel will advise on the best route, whether Mount Duneed, Boundary Road or the existing route.”
South Grovedale Community Action Group’s Margarita Kumnik said residents were “pleased”.
“Matthew has promised that this will be an open process,” she said.
“He told us that he needed to collect all the facts from this panel because he can’t just step in a move the road’s location. He also indicated the situation would be resolved very promptly.”