A section of road in the Doreen Recreation Reserve is stalling plans to have Yan Yean Road declared a state road.
VicRoads’ metro north-west regional director, Patricia Liew, told the Weekly the utility recognised the section of Yan Yean Road between Kurrak and Bridge Inn roads was “performing a significant function within the broader road network”.
She said the Whittlesea council had been advised this section of road would be declared a state road in future.
Ms Liew said VicRoads was working with the council to resolve an outstanding issue before any declaration.
“The issue is that a portion of Bridge Inn Road, located within the Doreen Recreation Reserve, requires rectification,” she said. “Council is preparing a masterplan for the Doreen Hall and Recreation Reserve, and that masterplan will address VicRoads’ concern.”
But a council spokesman said only VicRoads required “rectification” of Bridge Inn Road. Neither the council nor the community required the works.
The impasse is a blow to Yarrambat resident Anne Trueman, who started a petition calling on the state government to take control of the section of Yan Yean Road between Kurrak and Bridge Inn roads last June.
“If you’re trying to get an ambo or fire truck through at peak hour you can forget it because that road is clogged,” she said. She hoped the government would spend money on upgrade. Yan Yean MP Danielle Green tabled Ms Trueman’s petition – containing more than 2500 signatures – in Parliament on March 27. Ms Green made a number of freedom of information requests to VicRoads, seeking documents relating to arterial roads.
The documents were received on March 27 and confirmed “no money is being spent on roads by the Napthine government, and there are no forward plans to do so”, Ms Green said.
