Hume council will write to the state government for an update on the status of the proposed Bulla Bypass project.
The notice of motion raised by councillor Jarrod Bell called for Hume to write to Sunbury MP Josh Bull and Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne seeking details on the progress of the design and costing work, and expected timelines.
It also requested confirmation of “any forthcoming steps to move this project closer to construction, ensuring the community is kept informed and that pressure is maintained to advance this critical infrastructure project.”
According to the notice of motion, completion of the proposed bypass is “urgent” to accommodate increasing growth in Sunbury and reduce traffic volumes on Sunbury–Bulla Road, which “currently sees in excess of 25,000 vehicles daily.”
Cr Bell said that Hume’s role in the project is to ensure that the project “never falls off the agenda.”
“We cannot afford to let the ball to be dropped … the completion of the Sunbury Road duplication also shows that progress can be made when we apply consistent pressure,” Cr Bell said.
In a response to Star Weekly, Sunbury MP Josh Bull said that he welcomed Hume’s advocacy on local roads.
“Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) has now completed work on the business case, and which has been submitted to the department of transport and planning,” he said.
“The next step is to secure a significant amount of capital funding to build and deliver the project – this would require both state and federal commitments … I am continuing to advocate for this project.”
The department of transport and planning was contacted for comment.
Oscar Parry
