40 homes under threat
MULTIPLE residents who stand to see their properties bulldozed to host an expanded Geelong Ring Road say they are disillusioned with the handling of the major project.
VicRoads has settled on a preferred option for the Bellarine Link, which will provide a connection from Baanip Boulevard to Portarlington Rd at Moolap.
The project, estimated to cost about $350 million, would be the fifth and final section of the Geelong Ring Road.
The roads authority yester- day refused to answer questions about their chosen route, which is a version of ‘Option C’ from its initial four alignments.
VicRoads also did not put a number of how many properties would be potentially affected, although the Geelong Advertiser understands it is at least 40.
In a meeting this week described as “emotionally charged”, select residents discussed the updated plans with VicRoads.
Anger, sadness and tears have been on display during the process, one resident said.
One local who runs a 2ha farm said the lack of certainty was troubling.
“We have been told it could be anywhere from two to 30 years,” the resident said.
“How do you plan for that? This just doesn’t affect where we live, but our livelihood.”
A resident who stands to lose the majority of their rural property said they would push for the route to be modified to minimise the number of homes lost.
“There’s better options than what VicRoads has proposed,” they said.
“There has been no clear communication, and no answers as to why they’ve chosen the particular route.”
Those affected have also been frustrated by what they see as conflicting information and an inability of VicRoads to provide straight answers.
“Basically we don’t know what’s happening,” one resident said.
VicRoads south west regional director Mark Koliba said public feedback would be “a major consideration in developing potential options” for the Link.
“We invite anyone who is interested to come to our upcoming community sessions, where we will be displaying draft options for both Bella- rine Link and the potential duplication of Barwon Heads Rd.”
The State Government has budgeted $4 million for the study into the Link, which aims to reduce congestion and improve safety.
VicRoads is expected to reserve its preferred corridor next year, with the project to be considered for funding in the State Government’s May Budget.