Duped, whoever you choose
THE duplication of Barwon Heads Rd will go ahead, with state Labor matching the Coalition’s commitment to splash hundreds of millions of dollars on the project.
Premier Daniel Andrews will today announce a pre-election pledge to invest $318 million on widening the major thoroughfare, as well as removing a level crossing near Marshall station.
The commitment is more than the Coalition’s pledge to spend $290 million on the same works, with Labor accusing its political opponents of underestimating the cost of the project.
Under Labor’s plan, a 4km section of Barwon Heads Rd — between Settlement Rd and Reserve Rd — would be doubled to four lanes.
Money would also be spent on
“The Liberals’ promise to fix this road is undercooked and under costed, with not enough money to duplicate to Reserve Rd let alone Mount Duneed Rd.”
Similar to Labor, the Coalition has committed to starting the duplication works in 2020.
In August, South Barwon state Liberal MP Andrew Katos said congestion was becoming a major issue for locals.
“Whether I’m speaking to local residents or businesses, they all tell me that traffic is getting worse and it’s impacting their daily lives and businesses,” Mr Katos said.
“The Armstrong Creek growth area is the largest in Geelong and will see 22,000 house lots and 65,000 people calling it home in the next 25 years, it is so important we plan for this growth.”