In the lead up to the State Election on Nov 26th it’s important to remember what has happened on the Western Highway upgrade and the decisions that have led to the current situation. 

In 2012 Mathew Guy, then Planning Minister, approved the flawed and deficient Environment Effects Statement that led two years later to the adoption of the MRPV preferred route known as Option 1.

In the following 8 years the Labor Government have steadfastly ignored independent expert evidence and advice that Option 1 is the most environmentally destructive, most expensive, least safe route.

Both Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, have repeated falsehoods with respect to viable alternatives shadowing the current Highway.

The truth is;

A proposed alternative route does NOT impact on Langi Ghiran State Park .

A proposed alternative is as safe as any other route. 

Research and analysis of Vic Roads crash Statistics has found the current highway route is no more dangerous than any other comparable highway in Victoria, in fact it is safer.

An alternative route would PRESERVE, not destroy, many hectares of Federally protected woodlands, 96 large old gum trees and threatened fauna habitat. 

If the Community had been genuinely consulted and listened to, an alternative route could have been built as much as 7 years ago.

A court challenge led to the deregistering of Martang, the Representative Aboriginal Party (RAP) responsible for the approval of the first Cultural Management Plan that allowed the construction of the highway through sacred Djab Wurrung land. A new Cultural Heritage Plan is currently being undertaken by Major Roads and is likely to be approved by the new RAP, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

At a recent Ripon candidate forum in Ararat, the candidates present were asked

“ If there were a route for the Western Highway from Buangor to Ararat that was proven to be equally safe, cheaper,  quicker to build and less destructive, would you support it?”

Ms. Staley, Liberal party, responded with an emphatic “NO”

Ms. Haylett, Labor Party, responded “The second CHMP will be approved soon and the work will proceed.”

W. Rigg, Independent, said he didn’t know enough to comment.

B. Quince, Independent, wants the upgrade extended to the border. 

Not present at the forum, the Greens’ Earl James has not replied to an email 

request from KORS for a zoom or in-person meeting. 

KORS recommends you make contact with your preferred candidate and make known to them your support for the Highway alternative route and your expectation that they will be representing you and the environment on this issue when and if they are elected. 

A late but important reminder of the KORS AGM  7.30pm this coming Monday 21st November at Uniting Church meeting room, 277 Barkly St Ararat.