Amended works begin in Queen St

Work started last week on a beautification and road safety measures in Queen St East, Warragul, a project dogged with controversy for almost 12 months.

After an initial backlash from business owners and cyclists Baw Baw Shire council amended its plans and in March reached agreement with businesses about a redesign.

The shire’s director of community assets Phil Cantillon acknowledged some parallel parking along the side of the road would be reduced due to raised kerbing at the junctions of Queen St with Pearse and Pheonix Sts and on the southern side of the road in front of off-street parking areas.

He said it was a safety measure that would give motorists exiting off-street parks and Pearse and Pheonix Sts clear views of traffic travelling along Queen St rather than having to nose into traffic lanes.

Business owners Chris Leishout and Luke Patterson said the narrow kerbing extending on to the sections on the edges of the roads would slow down traffic and prevent drivers passing vehicles trying to make a right or left hand turns.

They both said side traffic volumes along Queen St East had increased considerably since the opening of the railway underpass between Queen and Alfred Sts just over a year ago.

Mr Leishout said council had reduced the length of a section of kerbing in front of his car dealership following discussions.

However, Mr Patterson and Mr Leishout said the decisions had been made by council and there was no point in anyone challenging the works now underway.

Probably my main concern was that there were other things needed in the shire where council could have better spent the money, Mr Leishout said.

Mr Cantillon said people were happy after some amendments to the initial plant through the consultation process with Warragul Business Group.