By Oscar Parry
Following communication from a local advocacy group, Hume council will seek support from Melton council in preparing a joint letter to the state government about safety improvements to Vineyard Road.
The recommendation was raised at the June 24 council meeting by councillor Jarrod Bell, referring to emails sent by Diggers Rest-based ‘DREAM’ advocacy group.
The group has advocated for road safety upgrades on the Vineyard Road corridor, which is split between Melton and Hume councils.
The recommendation noted that during the period June 2018 to June 2023, there were 54 accidents leading to 71 injuries, 22 of which required acute hospitalisation.
Cr Bell said these incidents are not just statistics, and that the safety issues of the road are affecting “real lives” in the region.
“Over the last several years I have witnessed numerous road crashes along this corridor, each incident representing not only statistics, but … families torn apart, lives lost, and individuals enduring severe injuries,” Cr Bell said.
Hume council will write to the mayor and chief executive of Melton to draft a joint letter to the minister for planning, the minister for road safety, and relevant state MPs.
In the letter, suggested safety improvements will include duplication of the Vineyard Road-Calder Freeway overpass bridge, an upgrade of the on-ramp and associated intersection on the Sunbury side, alignment of Hero Street and Eucalyptus Road in Diggers Rest, and full duplication of Vineyard road through Diggers Rest.
Cr Jack Medcraft supported the recommendation, saying that sections of the road are “like Mars” due to potholes, and that trying to use one of the road’s roundabouts at peak hour is like “playing a game of Russian roulette”.
The recommendation passed by Hume council also stated that they will explore and consult with Melton council on further opportunities for joint advocacy on the issue.
If Melton council does not wish to join Hume in drafting and sending the letter, the council will send one regardless using their own letterhead.
