Lives continue to be put at risk as a result of the Allan Labor Government’s inability to complete the duplication of the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat.
The 35km stretch of road either side of Ararat is the deadliest in Victoria and has been the scene of six fatalities between March and the end of July this year.
Despite these tragedies, the Labor Government is proving itself incapable of dealing with a range of problems that have delayed completion of the duplication by almost five years. It was originally planned to be completed by 2020.
Under questioning in Parliament yesterday, Labor blamed a raft of problems including planning hold ups, environmental concerns and cultural heritage issues for delaying completion of the project, but couldn’t say when the works would recommence or when the project would be finished.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Danny O’Brien, said Labor had been dishing out the same excuses for years.
“Lives continue to be lost while the government stonewalls in an effort to hide its incompetence,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The people of western Victoria deserve answers – they need to know when this long-promised duplication will be completed.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage roads and Victorians are paying a tragic price.”
