Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster is calling for public support she says is vital to reduce the number of heavy vehicles travelling down Mildura’s Deakin Avenue.

“Almost every minute of the day, one heavy vehicle now travels the Sturt Highway through Mildura. Anecdotally we are seeing more and more B-Doubles and B-Triples rumbling down Deakin Avenue rather than the Benetook Avenue Bypass. It’s not their fault, they have no choice – even so, I have been pushing the Victorian Government for answers to remedy this situation,” Dr Webster said.

“The people of Mildura and surrounding areas need a show of strength backing safer roads and a new transport strategy for Mildura.  A big public push will help secure a business plan to create the best option for more freight going on rail and a Mildura heavy vehicle bypass.”

Concerned residents can sign a petition at https://forms.gle/XeE8SMnm639BAGmh8

Dr Webster wrote to Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne last month and said the Minister’s subsequent response failed to identify solutions.

“Minister Horne wrote about the speed reduction on Deakin Avenue west of the Sixteenth Street intersection implemented last year. That’s a short term approach that still doesn’t resolve the problem.  Trucks continue to go up and down Deakin Avenue through school zones, residential areas, local eateries and Mildura’s CBD,” Dr Webster said.

“Mildura needs robust solutions to get heavy traffic off Deakin Avenue, freight onto rail and create safer and more efficient connections with New South Wales. Mildura’s main thoroughfare, civic and commercial centre needs to be protected. We need Deakin Avenue safer for the 12,000 other drivers who use it each day, safer for pedestrians & cyclists while also reducing maintenance costs.”

Dr Webster will meet with Mildura Rural City Council, Wentworth Shire Council, State Nationals Nationals Member for Mildura Jade Benham and other transport stakeholders in Mildura on Thursday to develop long-term solutions for north-west Victorian freight movements through rail and road improvements.