Almost five years since funding was announced for traffic lights at a busy Lakes Entrance intersection, there’s been no action on the ground to improve safety, according to local MP Darren Chester.
The Member for Gippsland secured $4 million for the Eastern Beach Road intersection from the previous Coalition Government at the end of 2020, but the project has stalled due to a lack of State Government contribution.
Mr Chester said he had written to both the state and federal ministers, Melissa Horne and Catherine King, to establish the status of the project after it was included in 2025-26 budget documents.
“I believe it is now referenced in the 2025-26 Federal Budget Estimates, Infrastructure Investment Program as ‘Princes Highway Safety Upgrades’, with a total cost of $8.3 million,” Mr Chester said.
“The line item indicates a $6.6 million Federal Government funding commitment with $6 million to be spent in the current financial year.
Mr Chester said he had met with nearby business owners who have not been consulted for several years and are keen to see a design that takes pedestrian traffic away from the semi-industrial area.
“I have had extensive conversations with local business owners and community representatives over a period of more than five years, and some people were consulted by Regional Roads Victoria in the initial development of the project, about seven years ago,” Mr Chester said.
“The strong preference from local traders was to proceed with traffic signals and relocate the footpath to the other side of the Princes Highway, to avoid the inevitable conflict between industry and walkers/cyclists.
“In conversations with East Gippsland Shire Council, it was agreed that it would be possible to link the footpath to Clarkes Road and the new signalised crossing point at Eastern Beach Road.
“At the same time, the development of the proposed boardwalk link between Eastern Beach Caravan Park and the existing foreshore shared pathway would also accommodate pedestrians and encourage locals and visitors to avoid the conflict point with the industrial area on the highway.
“After several on-site inspections, my view is the safety issues surrounding pedestrians and vehicles in front of the boat repair, tyre shop and carpet outlet will not be resolved unless the footpath is relocated.”
