Govt baulks at meeting Bypass ‘snub’

Andrew Mathieson
VICROADS snubbed a public meeting on plans for the third stage of the Geelong’s bypass.
Organiser John Lambert accused the road authority of failing requests to address residents’ concerns at South Barwon Civic Centre on Wednesday night.
“They’ve now came back saying it’s not an appropriate for them to speak,” Mr Lambert said.
Vicroads has also refused to be field questions via email.
Mr Lambert said three months ago Vicroads had “virtually harassed” him to allow a representative to speak at the first meeting following State Government announcing its chosen option for the route of stage three.
But he turned Vicroads down because he feared angry residents would hinder arguments.
The Government had rejected options three and four, citing adverse impacts on the landscape and selection an unpopular first option.
Opponents said option one would lead to a traffic bottleneck at Waurn Ponds where the bypass met the Princes Freeway.
“I’m disappointed because they (Vicroads) were the ones who removed option three and they should in fact have to account for that,” Mr Lambert said.
“It was the key decision made outside an independent panel.”
Mr Lambert has refused to rule out standing for state elections next month on the bypass issue.
Labor Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield, who defended the Government’s decision at the July meeting, refused to attend on Wednesday.