Time for government action to protect community from trucks

Council last night formally adopted a submission objecting to the proposed Ministerial Planning Scheme amendment until appropriate action is taken to protect the community. 

Cardinia Shire Council Chief Executive Carol Jeffs has also written to the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny to outline a positive plan to fast-track the critical Lang Lang Truck Bypass Road. 

“We acknowledge the Government’s requirement for more local sand to deliver on your Big Build agenda, but that must not come at increased risk to our community,’’ Ms Jeffs said. 

“The Council must act to protect our community and if the Government’s amendment was to proceed in its current form there is no doubt that the increased number of quarry trucks – and particularly the B-double and B-triple trucks – using the Lang Lang town centre will increase the danger to residents, in particular young children and seniors, as well as the noise, dust and damage to roads. 

“These giant trucks pass schools, homes and shops and there is already completely understandable widespread concern in our community and we would expect significant public opposition to any proposal that will increase the risk.’’ 

Cardinia Shire Council has been advocating for almost two decades the need to deliver the Lang Lang Truck Bypass Road to improve community safety and amenity in the township.  

Analysis by the Council indicates the truck traffic through Lang Lang town centre has increased significantly in recent years. 

In Westernport Road, an average of between 25 and 30 trucks drive through the town centre every hour – one every two minutes in peak times – including school drop-off peak hour. 

On McDonalds Track, it is even worse, with between 40-50 trucks using the road every hour  - one every 1.2 mins - in peak times. 

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council was consulting with the local community to ensure the Government is aware of the critical importance of the safety issue. 

“We have been disappointed by the lack of response from the Government to date regarding the need for the truck bypass,” Cr Kowarzik said.  

“The State Government’s new proposal to expand the sand mine and add to truck traffic means the time to act is now.’’ 

The Council is calling for: 

A Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) be applied to the remaining sections of land that need to be acquired for the Lang Lang Sand Truck Bypass Road.   The Lang Lang Sand Truck Bypass Road is constructed before any new or expanded quarry proposals are approved.   The State Government provide funding for the acquisition of land and construction of the Lang Lang Sand Truck Bypass Road.   The Transport Zone 2 (TZ2) is applied to the Lang Lang Sand Truck Bypass Road after construction is completed.  

Council is also requesting the State Government do proper due to diligence on the environment impact. 

Lang Lang District Business and Community Group President Peter Smith supported the Council’s resolution and requested the State Government respect the interests of the local community. 

“Council confirms that the exhibited SERA Technical Background Report does not adequately identify, discuss and respond to relevant State and Local planning provisions relating to amenity, traffic and infrastructure to strategically justify the application of the proposed SRO1,” Mr Smith said.  

“This represents a total failure of public policy.” 

“The situation continues to create stress and heartache for many in the local Lang Lang and district population.’’  

“The State Government SERA proposal for Lang Lang is so wrong and should NOT proceed in its current form.’’