THE dangerous intersection between the Calder Freeway and Calder Alternate was again the focus of attention this week.
For the past few years, both political parties and both state and federal governments have failed to fix the intersection, despite all acknowledging it is a problem.
This week it was the turn of The Nationals to visit, with Bendigo-based Senator Bridget McKenzie taking Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Transport Darren Chester for a visit with concerned locals.
Senator McKenzie said her role as a local parliamentarian was to ensure Coalition decision makers were aware of local challenges.
“The intersection is a significant black spot and residents are worried about increased B-double traffic, heavy with grains, fruit and vegetables from Victoria’s northern producers,” she said.
“Safety concerns around the Ravenswood intersection have been raised in The Nationals’ party room and with the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary personally.”
Mr Chester said he had met with the Calder Highway Improvement Committee both in Canberra and in Bendigo, and was keen to help deliver a better outcome for residents and road users.
“There have been severe accidents, fatalities and casualties at this intersection, and it’s important to get a first-hand appreciation of a major safety issue like this one,” he said.
“I will take today’s experiences back to the Coalition as we prepare our policies for the next election.”
Senator McKenzie said safety should be the number one priority.
“Anything we can do to work together across party lines, across state and federal government to improve the safety outcomes of this intersection must be done.”
Local Bronwyn Young urged all levels of government to work together to fix the intersection.
“You can stand there for half an hour and always see a near miss,” she said.