Resident road rage

Batesford highway plan

BATESFORD residents are preparing to fight a VicRoads proposal to run a four-lane highway through the rural town.

The authority has released four potential road upgrades for the area, which include a duplicated Midland Highway and bypasses running to the north and south of Batesford.

VicRoads has revealed that it supports the full duplication of the highway, between Bannockburn — Shelford Rd and the Geelong Ring Rd.

The works would also see a new bridge over the Moorabool River and a widening of the rail line overpass at Gheringhap.

However, there is rising dissent in the Golden Plains town about the preferred duplication. A public meeting next week is expected to create an action group to fight the proposal, local councillor Owen Sharkey said yesterday.

“They will try and form a united front and push for the best outcome,” he said.

Cr Sharkey, who lives in Batesford, said his preferred route was the fourth option — a southern bypass linking to Fyansford-Gheringhap Rd.

“I would prefer a true bypass. Only one of these options is a true bypass of the whole township. I think most people would like to see that road come around to the south.”

The Federal and Victorian governments have committed $2 million for the planning phase.

The area has seen strong growth in recent years and will continue to expand, with the population of the district set to double in the 15 years to 2026.

VicRoads believes residents are concerned the growth will put more pressure on the congested corridor, which is the main route between Geelong and Ballarat.

The plans can be viewed at the Batesford Hotel today from 3pm to 7pm.