A Wyndham Vale resident is disappointed by the lack of basic infrastructure around new estates.
Michael Goldsworthy moved to the Jubilee estate, from Wyndham Green, two months ago. He says Ballan Road poses a safety threat to those living in the new estates.
In particular, he is concerned that there is no footpath along Ballan Road leading to the estate, despite the speed limit being between 80-100km/h, and has called on VicRoads to reduce the speed limit to 70km/h.
“I’ve seen people walking on the side of the road, pretty much on gravel, and cars only metres away,” he said. “I’ve seen school children do it … my concern is, it’s an 80km/h speed limit, there are B-doubles.
“We can’t get out of this estate without driving out.
“It’s a new estate, and I don’t expect everything straight away, I understand it’s going to take time … but I think there should at least be a footpath, so people can either walk or ride.”
VicRoads transport and planning director for the metro north west region, David Teague, said there were no plans to change the speed zones along Ballan Road, but VicRoads would continue to monitor traffic flow and safety in the area.
Wyndham city economy director Kate Roffey said the council would be advocating for the state government to fund a shared path along both sides of Ballan Road.
“Council agrees that it is important for residents of new estates to have access to quality infrastructure as soon as possible,” she said.
“Being one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, this is an ongoing challenge that we are working hard to overcome.”
