Long road to repairs

A LOCAL resident remains concerned about works not started along the Beechworth Wodonga Road along a section east of Wooragee with a hot summer season forecasted and increased bushfire risk. A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning this week confirmed there were no further updates on reparation works at two sites along the roadway, after stating plans were in the process of being finalised with the department’s contractor last week. Complex plans to repair two damaged culverts by flooding events earlier this year has included consultation with Heritage Victoria. Due to their age, both culverts have been deemed to be historically significant within Indigo Shire. A Bailey Bridge has been in place over Rising Sun Creek since late July with one lane of traffic controlled by traffic lights at either end. Beechworth’s Robin McLiesh said difficulties could arise for state emergency vehicles such as ambulance, fire trucks and police coupled with travellers needing to leave the area should there be a bushfire. Mr McLiesh said engineering information about the culvert repair hasn’t been forthcoming to the general public. “I’ve hit a hit a brick wall with an enquiry to the Minister of Roads with a reply received 'All written correspondence is received and progressed accordingly,'" he said. "It’s an ominous situation for Beechworth with what we’ve seen in the horrific Queensland bushfires. "I just wonder if the department has an appreciation of the difficulties we can face living here. "We need to see a detailed report on the situation and the corrective action being undertaken.” Benambra MP Bill Tilley said "welcome to Victoria – the state that’s broke." “We have more traffic lights on our failed country roads around the electorate than there are in all of Wodonga. "We have some roads awaiting repair for almost 12 months and here on the Beechworth Road since Easter. "People have every right to be angry – this is a road that carries a massive amount of traffic, it should be a priority not another example of failed promises. "The Minister on June 13 told me that detailed assessment and design work for the damaged culverts had been completed – and yet here we are almost five months later and nothing has happened. "The only logical reason is they don’t have the money and resources to fix this properly. According to earlier advice received in early August by the Advertiser from the department, works to repair the damaged culverts at Rising Sun Creek were anticipated to begin in mid-September with an anticipated finish at the end of last month, weather permitting. The department advised in mid-October the community will continue to be informed of any updates and progress on the repair of the culverts.

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