Takeover bid on road amid ‘state neglect’

Kim Waters
RESIDENTS want State Government stripped of its power over “dangerous” St Leonard’s roads, according to a community representative.
St Leonards Progress Association’s Paul Sproule said residents were pushing for council to take over maintenance of the roads amid Government inaction.
He accused the Government’s Department of Sustainability and Environment of failing to maintain Lower Bluff Road in particular, leaving it “riddled with pot-holes”.
The road’s deterioration had sparked a blame game over responsibility for maintenance, Mr Sproule said.
“It’s like ping-pong at the moment because DSE own the road but will only provide $10,000 as a once-off funding commitment for it’s maintenance and council in good faith has re-sheeted the road but can’t afford to keep doing it.
“We want to see the land handed over to Geelong council so that at least it will be maintained properly”
Mr Sproule urged DSE to either “communicate” with council on a solution or hand over responsibility.
The popular road was now so damaged it was “almost impossible” to drive on, Mr Sproule said.
“It provides the main access to the foreshore, including the yacht club, a safe swimming beach and the entrance to Edwards Point State Fauna Reserve.
“Lower Bluff Road is one of three exits if there is a fire and it’s very important that it is maintained and in good condition.”
Mr Sproule said more than 800 residents had signed a petition for improved maintenance and reduced speed limits on Lower Bluff Road and council-owned Beach Road.
VicRoads had informed the association that council could apply for reduced speed limits “where there are safety issues”.
“These are shared gravel roads between cars, young children, pedestrians, cyclists and trucks,” Mr Sproule said.
“By default the roads are currently 50km/h but it’s too fast and a recipe for disaster.”
Mr Sproule, a former highway patrol policeman, pleaded with council for a “more-responsible approach”.
“I’ve dealt with fatalities on country and regional roads before and I know what I’m talking about.
“We’re going to keep fighting for this speed reduction and fighting to get the ownership of Lower Bluff Road handed over to Geelong council.”
DSE and council had not returned calls for comment before the Independent went to press.