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ROADS Minister Luke Donnellan wants an advisory committee to help him make an informed decision on a bypass of Horsham.
Mr Donnellan said he did not want to make a decision on the bypass based on his opinion alone.
He hoped the advisory committee would share what the community wanted.
“It has been a long and tortuous process,” he said.
“I know that the community is divided, but if we can find a solution where three-quarters of the community support it then I think we are moving forward.”
Mr Donnellan said terms of reference must be finalised before an advisory committee was formed.
“We want people to be confident that there is an independent assessment and process looking over this so we can find a way forward,” he said.
Mr Donnellan said a planning scheme amendment had been proposed and the committee would sign off on the amendment as a matter of priority.
Horsham Mayor Pam Clarke said she was doubtful the advisory committee would consider community views.
She said the council received a letter from Mr Donnellan and Planning Minister Richard Wynne indicating their preference for the bypass.
“The letter says quite clearly that option D is their preferred option and they’re not going to alter,” she said.
“The committee is not about a community view on where the bypass is going because as far as the department is concerned, they have already made their decision.”
Cr Clarke said the council would work with the government as plans progressed to ensure there was minimal impact on the community and surrounding residents.