‘Hoax’ on bypass

Kim Waters
A PROMISE to review a controversial bypass link route south of Geelong if the coalition wins next month’s state election is a “cruel hoax”, according to an MP.
Labor Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield called the coalition’s pledge “utter madness”.
The party’s further promise to review consultation processes over the 4C link route would also delay development of “important infrastructure” including a Waurn Ponds train station, he warned.
Around 100 residents rallied on Sunday to oppose the 4C link after Liberal South Barwon candidate and Geelong councillor Andrew Katos revealed the coalition promises in last week’s Independent.
Mr Crutchfield, who failed to attend the rally, said a coalition government would never deliver a new 4C route.
“Mr Katos has voted for this alignment three times on council and has put forward no motion to change council’s viewpoint,” Mr Crutchfield said.
“The decision was made back in 2008 and the state Liberal party and the federal candidate supported this alignment, so no one is saying we should change it.
“The current alignment isn’t just about the road but also this major (railway) station and people will be very unimpressed with Mr Katos if he defers the building of this infrastructure.”
State Government approved the $76.9 million link to Surf Coast Highway this month.
Residents of Grovedale and Waurn Ponds have opposed the route, running along a rail line neighbouring both suburbs, over noise and traffic concerns.
Mr Katos told the Independent last week that moving the route was “a possibility” but that his main focus was on residents’ concerns about the consultation process.
South Grovedale Community Action Group spokesperson Margarita Kumnik said the public rally was “very successful”.
Eighty residents promised to change their election vote over the route, she said.
The group would run a second rally and shopping centre stalls every Saturday until the election.