THE $7.7 million shared pathway from Wonthaggi to Inverloch, which is due for completion next year, has struck a potential speed hump with residents in Boyd Street claiming heavy vehicles will cross the pathway twice.
According to Bass Coast Shire Council, construction of the exciting and much-anticipated Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail is progressing well with no expected delays at this stage.
“Safe crossing points along Boyd Street have been ensured as part of the design,” council noted.
Local residents, however, have raised serious concerns over heavy vehicles using the road, alongside cyclists and walkers.
“We don’t want trucks on the road,” they said.
With deep potholes in the road, which fill with water after rain, the residents explained that the new shared pathway between Inverloch and Wonthaggi will cross Boyd Street twice.
“We’re very concerned about the safety of the road,” said resident Graeme Miller.
“Vehicles could end up sliding into a ditch,” said another resident.
“There is nowhere to go.”
Overhanging trees are also a problem, according to the residents, with a bus that uses the road forced to weave from side to side to avoid low branches.
The residents have also complained about a wall of red dust that follows heavy vehicles.
“The dust gets into our drinking water,” said Graeme.
According to Graeme, you wouldn’t expect to see a truck on a $7.7 million walking track either.
“It’s not safe for little kids on tricycles,” he said.
Accessing the main road between Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson from Moores Road is another problem, according to residents.
“You can’t see,” claimed a resident.
“It scares me,” said neighbour Victoria.
Boyd Street resident Julie said she kept horses on her property.
“The horses need to cross the road, and the heavy vehicles don’t slow down.”
“I have to stand in the middle of the road with the horses,” Julie said.
“The trucks frighten the horses. They need to go somewhere else.”
Victoria said they bought in the area for the peace and quiet.
Cr Morgan said he might agree, but he needed to be very careful.
“It is our job (as councillors) to come and listen to your concerns.”
Beth and Jade said they had four children, two with severe disabilities.
“We chose this area because it was safe,” said Beth.
“They have no road awareness at all.”
An application has been lodged with Bass Coast Shire for Use of Land for a Contractors Depot in a Rural Living Zone.
The plans can be viewed on Council’s website.
