Cade Lucas
The developer of Tarneit’s Creekstone estate says fixing a notorious intersection causing traffic chaos for residents is the responsibility of Wyndham council.
Earlier this week Wyndham council took the extraordinary step of limiting Macson Developments from releasing any further land parcels at the estate until it delivered a signalised traffic intersection and bridge.
Currently the only way in and out of Creekstone estate is via the Settlement Road and Dohertys Road intersection, described by residents as like running a gauntlet.
Macson Developments managing director Jason Smith conceded his company had failed to deliver a second entrance to the estate by connecting Edgewood Boulevard to Dohertys Road and building a bridge over Skeleton Creek, a delay he blamed on the Department of Transport and Planning’s approval process.
But he said the Settlement Road intersection causing so much angst for residents was the responsibility of council.
“Additional infrastructure works associated with the Dohertys Road duplication and Settlement Road intersection signalisation are currently the responsibility of Wyndham City Council and DTP to undertake as part of the approved precinct structure plan and development contributions plan,” said Mr Smith, adding that all relevant planning approvals were being followed and that he wanted to work with council to provide a solution.
“We stress that we are doing everything we can to engage with authorities and ensure the necessary road infrastructure is delivered as quickly as possible for the community.”
Wyndham council said it sought to place temporary lights at the Settlement Road intersection but this was knocked back by DTP.
A council spokesperson said traffic congestion at that intersection was the result of Macson’s failure to deliver its own intersection and bridge as required in the contract.
“Under the section 173 agreement, Macson Developers are required to deliver a signalised intersection at Dohertys Road and Edgewood Boulevard,” the spokesperson said.
“The lack of signals at Dohertys Road and Edgewood Boulevard that the developer agreed to deliver by the end of 2023 is creating a bottleneck at Settlement Road as there is no break in traffic for residents to turn onto Dohertys Road.”
Following pleas from residents about excessive delays at the Settlement Road intersection and the danger it posed to motorists and pedestrians, Wyndham council used powers provided by the state’s planning and environment act to halt any further development at the estate.
Wyndham deputy mayor, Josh Gilligan said council made no apologies for doing so.
“Council’s position sends a clear message to developers: either you deliver on your promises or Wyndham will stop you leeching money from our community,” Cr Gilligan said.
“Wyndham will stand up for local families against developers taking the profit of land sales and then failing to deliver promised infrastructure to make our communities liveable.”
The Department of Transport and Planning was contacted for comment.
