Bypass yet to acquire land
THE State Government is yet to take possession of multiple patches of land to make way for the Drysdale Bypass project, despite construction beginning next month.
Multiple property owners in Drysdale are still in the process of negotiating the takeover of their land for the bypass, with some holdouts reportedly facing compulsory acquisition. Horse trainer Kelvin Bourke confirmed he was set to lose a swath of his Whitcombes Rd property, but was unable to comment on specifics.
“They’re a fair way down the track,” Mr Bourke said when asked about the negotiations.
“I’ve got to be careful, at this stage I don’t really want to make much comment because I’m right in the middle of it.”
Liberal candidate for the Bellarine Brian McKiterick voiced concerns a lengthy land acquisition process might put the brakes on the $117 million project.
“My concern is that I’m aware of a number of landowners who haven’t had their land purchased, and there’s still negotiations going on — I know of at least six,” Mr McKiterick said.
“I’m hearing they’re still in negotiations. Some of them aren’t satisfied with the proposed valuation of their properties, some of them have undertaken legal representation and one in particular is refusing to be budged.”
However, Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan said the project was on track.
“The time for talk is over — we’re getting on and building the Drysdale Bypass, on schedule and on budget.”
“With major construction to start next month, we’re one step closer to boosting safety, cutting travel times and easing congestion through the heart of Drysdale and the Bellarine.”
While the shovels are on hand, community groups are still hoping to effect change at the planned bypass-Grubb RdHigh St intersection.
“We would like them to start down the other end of the bypass — or in a middle section of the road — while we continue discussion on the best approach to the intersection,” Bellarine Community Council vice-president Tom O’Connor said.
“The proposed design, as it is, just doesn’t stack up.”
BCC argues that a growing school population, increased usage of the expected $50 million sports precinct and growing traffic volumes demands a better design.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville visited the bypass site in June to announce the Government had secured an early works agreement to get started on the $117 million Drysdale Bypass project — first funded in 2014.