The Andrews Labor Government has confirmed the Western route for the Kilmore-Wallan Bypass.
The Minister for Planning’s Assessment of the Kilmore-Wallan Bypass EES Inquiry and Advisory Committee Report, released today, is the final step in the process of selecting the preferred route.
The assessment recommended the Western option as it would have the lowest environmental, social and amenity effect on the community.
The Minister for Roads, Luke Donnellan, and Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, today visited Monument Hill to make the announcement.
Today’s announcement will give the Kilmore-Wallan community certainty after years of anxiety under the mismanagement of the former Coalition Government.
The proposed eastern routes would destroy local heritage at Monument Hill Reserve, the Kilmore Racecourse and equine precinct and Kilmore Golf Course.
The Western option will improve traffic flow and remove heavy vehicles from the main streets of Kilmore and Wallan, reducing noise and improving services for local residents.
The priority now is for VicRoads to get the appropriate statutory approvals in accordance with the Minister for Planning’s Assessment, finalise planning and design works and then submit a funding proposal to government for consideration.
The announcement of the Western option also allows VicRoads to proceed with finalising designs to construct a roundabout to improve safety at the notorious Broadford-Kilmore Road intersection. The roundabout is an important part of the Western option.
The previous Coalition Government misled the community by claiming they would build the bypass but never actually allocating funding to do it.
Quote attributable to the Minister for Roads, Luke Donnellan
“The Andrews Labor Government is providing certainty to the local community by confirming the Western route for the Kilmore-Wallan Bypass.”
“The Western option preserves local heritage, reduces noise, removes heavy vehicles, improves services and caters for future growth.”
“The former Coalition Government never made the decision and never funded the project.”
Quote attributable to the Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes
“Monument Hill Reserve, the racecourse, the Golf Course – will be saved for generations to come.”
“Locals made their concerns about the destructive eastern routes loud and clear, and we’ve listened.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020