Danny O’Brien calls for Kamikaze Corner solution

LEONGATHA’S infamous ‘Kamikaze Corner’ is back in the spotlight, with Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien inviting Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne to inspect it.

The Nationals committed $1 million to complete a business case to work out a solution for the intersection had they won November’s state election, but are again having to campaign for action from opposition.

While speaking in Parliament recently, Mr O’Brien congratulated Labor on its election victory but noted much of the state didn’t vote for Labor, including Gippsland South.

“People in my electorate strongly supported the commitments we took to the election, including fixing the dangerous intersection of the South Gippsland and Strzelecki Highways in Leongatha,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This intersection is a headache for Leongatha with two highways and three other roads meeting on a bend, with the newly completed section of the Great Southern Rail Trail right through it as well.

“A solution is crucial for the town, for the safety of motorists, and to help make the rail trail a success for tourists and local users alike.”

Mr O’Brien stressed that Labor is yet to make a commitment to fix the confusing intersection but is hopeful it will do so in the near future.

Finding a way to make ‘Kamikaze Corner’ safe is also a high priority for South Gippsland Shire Council, which continues to advocate to higher levels of government for action.

Mr O’Brien also asked Labor to match other election commitments made by The Nationals, including finishing the Foster Primary School rebuild, a new overtaking lane on the South Gippsland Highway at Toora, a new Mirboo North stadium and upgrades for Korumburra-Bena Football Netball Club and Waratah Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

That includes wanting to see progress in the near future on the $11.7million commitment of Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing towards the upgrade of Leongatha Secondary College, made in the lead up to last year’s state election.