Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak in regard to the urgent upgrade of Wellington Road—in particular, between Clematis and Lysterfield. This is a very important road—especially for the residents of Emerald, Gembrook and Cockatoo. And I know that residents of Belgrave South, Narrewarren North and Narrewarren use this road. This road is zoned 80 kilometres an hour. A lot of heavy trucks and trailers use it each day. Also, very importantly, a lot of mums and dads and singles use it to travel to work. I have always been greatly concerned about the safety of this road. Back in 2007, I committed $10 million for duplication or overtaking lanes in certain sections of this road. Only $2 million was spent. Sadly, in 2010, when federal Labor came to power, they, amazingly, diverted the road funding. Residents have again asked me to do something about this road. Annoyingly, to do something about this road is now likely to cost in the vicinity of $50 million. So I will endeavour to attract $25 million of federal funding. This is a very important road. I am sending out a survey to residents in Emerald, Gembrook and Cockatoo to ask them the best way forward—whether they want full duplication or overtaking lanes. It has my 100 per cent backing to do something about it. (Time expired)