MLC backs locals’ overpass fight

THE state government has been told to find an alternative traffic solution for the Bass Highway at Leith by an MLC who says knocking down homes for an overpass is not justified by crash statistics.

Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney told parliament in a special interest speech on Tuesday morning residents of the North-West village did not want the $15m “concrete monolith” and other means of slowing down traffic could be used on that stretch of the highway.

Burnie-based Senator Jacqui Lambie has also called for the proposal to be reconsidered saying a cut in the speed limit would address safety concerns without bulldozing homes and compromising others.

Residents learned in March two houses would be compulsorily acquired under the government’s overpass proposal while others would be overshadowed by the structure.

They say a speed reduction or a roundabout could solve the issue.

Mr Gaffney joined residents in their criticism of the public consultation process quoting concerns already raised by Leo Beuermann, who is fighting to save his home of more than 30 years. Mr Beuermann said Leith residents were excluded from government consultations with stakeholders from 2018 and received no notification until March 2021, despite survey work last year.

“Mr President, I have previously raised questions regarding the crash statistics which have been quoted as partial justification for the need to build the overpass,” Mr Gaffney said.

“There have been 26 crashes at the Leith junctions in the last 20 years and no fatalities are attributable to these intersections. Indeed, the school bus no longer uses the route which originally caused the concern at that junction.

“I hope that bringing attention to this matter might assist in generating support for the residents of Leith, and their endeavours to have the government revisit this most controversial proposal.”