Bridge in parliament

TOM BENNETT
MEMBER for Bellarine Lisa Neville has taken Clifton Springs’ Griggs Creek bridge protest to State Parliament.
Ms Neville outlined to parliament the fears of residents claiming the proposed bridge would adversely impact on their lives.
She said the proposed bridge would provide access to a new housing estate but would also funnel increased traffic through narrow residential streets.
“They (the residents) are extremely worried about the increase in traffic along Bayshore Ave”, Ms Neville told parliament.
“This is a quiet, peaceful area that they see as potentially being significantly altered by the construction of the bridge.
“Residents have expressed concerns about the potential impact of such a bridge on their way of life and their safety. They have also raised the issue about its impact on the local environment and the area’s cultural heritage”.
“The potential loss of cultural heritage in this area, where Aboriginal artefacts have been discovered, is also a significant issue that has been raised by residents.”
Ms Neville also aired concerns that heavy construction vehicles could damage the area’s “fragile” geology.
“They will possibly cause tremors underfoot and landslips at the nearby coastal cliff and in Griggs Creek”.
Outside parliament Ms Neville urged Geelong’s council to resume “open and transparent” negotiations with bridge opponents.
All parties should “settle down and talk” in the interest of achieving an outcome “acceptable all round”, she said
“Everyone should take another look at this issue and see if a better solution can be reached. It’s about time both sides started thinking outside the square.”
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell said council had no further talks scheduled with bridge protesters.
“The matter is shortly to go before Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for an ultimate ruling and we’ll abide by the umpire’s decision whatever it may be,” Cr Mitchell said.