THE National Party has promised $720,000 to complete planning for the Horsham bypass if a Coalition Government is re-elected at next month’s State Election.
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Nationals candidate for Lowan Emma Kealy said the bypass would help Horsham by diverting trucks away from the town.
“This extra election funding of $720,000 will enable all planning and environmental issues to be resolved in consultation with the community, and give more certainty to landowners,” she said.
As part of the plan, expressions of interest for people who want to join a community reference group will open in December.
The group will report to the Roads Minister.
Option 2, which bypasses Dock Lake Reserve, Green Lake and Pimpinio, will be given full assessment.
The State Government put the option back on the table earlier this year in the face of community pressure.
Option B2 through Riverside – which VicRoads announced as its preferred alignment last year – will be assessed.
Option 5A, to the south-west of the city, and option D, to the north-east of the city, will also be assessed.
Country Alliance candidate Steve Price welcomed the planning commitment, but said he wanted to see the government make a bigger commitment to the Western Highway.
“Anything that will demystify and secure a plan for the bypass of Horsham is to be commended because it’s a difficult process whereby a lot of people’s lives will be affected,” he said.
“Bringing that forward is good, however, I see it as a drop in the ocean.
“I’d rather see a far stronger commitment to the duplication of the highway to the border.”
He said the lack of further commitment could put businesses in jeopardy without larger plans for the Western Highway.
Independent candidate Katrina Rainsford said it was vital most of the community got their preferred bypass option.
Greens candidate Nkandu Beltz said she supported the bypass but the Coalition could not be trusted on major transport projects.
