A START to much-needed pedestrian safety and road improvement works at Kilcunda, for those looking to cross the busy Bass Highway, have been pushed well back into next year.
The main problem with that is the new $720,000 Skate Park and Playspace, on the opposite side of the highway to the General Store, is nearly completed.
As early as this school holidays, but certainly from early July onwards, kids and families will be crossing the highway, many in excited anticipation of the fun they’ll have playing on the new facility.
But, when will it be safe for them to do so?
A spokesperson for the contractors, Grind Projects Pty Ltd, said concreting had been completed and all that remained now was for landscaping works and a shelter to be erected.
“We just need a few clear days with the weather to get on with the landscaping but we’re only a week or two away from completing the project,” said Steve Kelly, a director of Grind Projects.
Not so the $7.8 million worth of highway safety and improvement works, which will include new pedestrian refuge areas for those looking to cross the highway to the skate park and rail trail.
In State Parliament on Tuesday, May 30, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale asked the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, for a progress report.
“My constituency question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. What is the project status of our $7.8 million investment on the Bass Highway corridor at Kilcunda, which seeks to add safe pedestrian crossings and a service road?
“We were all thrilled with the funding announcement this time last year, and it was cause for a big celebratory jump. It was a collective community effort, including the Kilcunda Community Association, active and unwavering in their advocacy.
“The call to do something spanned years. Petitions were presented, letters written, and all were on board,” Ms Crugnale said.
“Kilcunda is a destination with breathtaking views, the rail trail and the iconic trestle bridge in its glory. Whales swim by and surfers catch waves. It also is the main access road to Wonthaggi through to Phillip Island. It is a freight route; it connects us to South Gippsland and the city.
“The volume of traffic continues to grow. The entire precinct I have previously described as a ‘chaotic vehicle shemozzle’, Minister. I really look forward to this update.”
Ms Crugnale received the following answer from Minister Horne on June 19, 2023, but it wasn’t good news.
The highway safety and improvement works may not be ready until Christmas 2024, 18 months from now!
“I thank the Member for Bass for her question and her advocacy for the improvements planned for the Bass Highway at Kilcunda. The Andrews Labor Government is investing $7.8 million to improve safety and accessibility for tourists and locals at Kilcunda.
This project will include:
- Installation of new pedestrian operated signals on the Bass Highway opposite the Kilcunda General store, connecting to the Bass Coast Rail Trail;
- Improved Service Road arrangements with increase in car parking spaces;
- New intersection of Carew Street with Bass Highway, including dedicated left and right turn lanes;
- Dedicated turn lanes into Kilcunda Ridge Road, Peppermint Road, and the Caravan Park entrance;
- New bus stop facilities either side of the Bass Highway;
- New pedestrian refuge on Bass Highway at the existing Rail Trail crossing point;
- Reconstruction and widening of the Bass Highway throughout the town; and
- Upgraded street lighting along the Bass Highway
“The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) advises that pre-construction activities, including environmental and cultural heritage assessment, have been completed with the detailed design to be finalised in coming months.
“DTP anticipates the contract for these construction works will be advertised later this year, at which time the Kilcunda community, businesses and interested stakeholders will be consulted and updated on the planned works.
“The intention is to commence works after the Christmas holiday period to minimise impacts on the tourist traffic and businesses, with completion of works anticipated by late 2024.”
The concern is that the increased number of people, especially children and families, wanting to use the new skate park and playspace, right on the edge of the highway, will only exacerbate an already ‘chaotic vehicle shemozzle’ at the site, especially on holiday weekends and during the summer holidays.
