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Build bypass push

20Nov07

CARDINIA Council has stepped up its push for an $11 million Koo-wee-rup bypass.

Commitments have been sought from the federal Opposition and the State Government after Prime Minister John Howard flagged support for the bypass during a visit to Pakenham in September last year.
The council made the bypass its top issue when presenting a funding priority list to a series of government delegations in recent weeks.
Mayor Kate Lempriere said a 50-50 contribution from state and federal governments was being sought to pay for the $11 million project.
``We need a commitment to this project as a matter of urgency,'' Cr Lempriere said. ``Residents' safety is a major concern; we do not want an increase in accidents and fatalities.
``It's vital state and federal funding is committed immediately to this extremely important, potentially life-saving project.''
The Pakenham bypass, which is expected to open soon, will further exacerbate traffic problems through Koo-wee-rup.
Port Ward councillor Doug Hamilton said the project was strongly supported in the Koo-wee-rup community.
``The bypass would provide safety benefits for residents and allow the town to grow as an important satellite township within the shire, outside the urban growth corridor,'' Cr Hamilton said. ``An upgraded Koo-wee-rup Rd and bypass of the township will also ease traffic congestion in Cranbourne and Tooradin.''
Cr Lempriere said a further benefit would be better access to Pakenham's shopping, administration and financial businesses for Koo-wee-rup residents.