Western Metropolitan Liberal MP Bernie Finn has called on the state government to stop its ‘‘war’’ on Sunbury.
Speaking in Parliament, the Bulla resident accused ministers of going to ‘‘extraordinary lengths’’ to stop the town’s separation from Hume and slammed what he called a lack of action on a dangerous intersection at Horne Street and Gap Road and congestion on Sunbury Road.
He also criticised moves aimed at preventing Sunbury commuters catching V/Line trains.
‘‘This government is kicking Sunbury from pillar to post, and it must stop,’’ Mr Finn said.
‘‘I ask the Premier to direct his ministers to stop the war on Sunbury.’’
The government returned fire, claiming the only battle was Mr Finn’s war against common sense.
A spokeswoman for Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said the government was still considering the transition auditors’ report, which recommended the Sunbury split be abandoned.
‘‘The report said that a new Sunbury council would incur massive rate rises and cuts to services,’’ the spokeswoman said. ‘‘Only Bernie Finn and the Liberal Party could ignore such serious findings.’’
A spokesman for Roads Minister Luke Donnellan denied there had been indecision about the intersection, pointing to a $15,000 planning study that began in June.
‘‘Data will be used in consultation with residents and businesses, as well as Hume council, to determine the best solution … which may include traffic lights,’’ he said.
The spokesman said VicRoads was considering safety measures to improve Sunbury Road, including widening the eastern side.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said changes to V/Line services made Sunbury consistent with other city-fringe stations and had eased overcrowding on country trains.
“Since that change, 10 extra peak-hour services have been added to Sunbury and more off-peak services are being investigated,” she said.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull has urged residents to have their say on public transport at a forum at the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre from 6pm on Wednesday, October 28.
To register, visit goo.gl/wO9Kkq
