The Victorian Coalition pledges to build bypass in South Gippsland to reduce heavy vehicle traffic
By Ruza Zivkusic | November 24, 2010
The Victorian Coalition has committed to funding a bypass in the South Gippsland town of Koo Wee Rup if elected on November 27.
The move follows a $50 million promise by the Brumby Government to build the bypass through the agricultural land surrounding the town, which would decrease the number of trucks travelling there daily.
Liberal Member for Bass Ken Smith says the town puts up with 10,000 vehicles a day, with 1000 believed to be trucks.
“It creates a difficulty with parking and the flow of traffic, it’s not the drivers’ fault it’s the only way they can go,” Smith says.
“The road is not wide enough and it prohibits people from getting out of their cars.”
He says the promise has been a “long time coming”.
“The fumes create hassles for people and we were complaining about this before the Pakenham bypass was started, we knew it would become a rat run which is what it is.
“Our residents have become frustrated with the lack of action from the government; there have been promises but nothing definite.”