Present & Apologies: As per attendance
book.
VicRoads Citylink/Tullamarine Freeway
Widening Project Presentation:
Summary: VicRoads are managing the $1.28 billion project to upgrade almost 24kms of freeway between Bulla Road and Melbourne Airport (Citylink are responsible for the section between the tunnels and Bulla Road).
Upgrades will include added lanes and improved interchanges; better technology for traffic management, safety and monitoring; overhead lane signs; which will lead to better recovery times after incidents.
Work will be done in two sections – from the Airport to Bulla Rd, and Bulla Rd to Melrose Drive, and begins in early 2016.
Key improvements for local residents:
- two dedicated entry lanes (on-ramps) from Mickleham Road inbound which the GRA have long campaigned for;
- improved M80 interchange just south of Mickleham Road on-ramp (to alleviate weaving of traffic coming onto the freeway from Mickleham Road with traffic on the freeway coming from the Airport and wanting to exit onto the M80 (Western Ring Road).
The team have an office at Essendon Fields and are happy for anyone to drop in anytime to view the upgrade plans. The project information sheet is attached at the end of these minutes.
Minutes of last meeting: Presented and
accepted as a true record. Moved, seconded. Carried.
President’s Report: A group recently met with Ros Spence to
discuss issues of concern. More details below.
Treasurer’s Report: Spending records presented.
John Haddad has enlisted Charlie’s assistance with the Treasurer’s role due to pressing commitments.
Correspondence: IN –
-- Mayor Atmaca has provided crime statistics to Richard upon request from the GRA. These will be posted in the cabinet at the shopping centre. There has been a significant increase in crimes reported across Hume but no greater percentage increase in Greenvale than in other areas.
Councillors’ Report: No councillors present. Again we are disappointed with the lack of interest in our meetings shown by our local councillors who are supposed to represent the people in their electorate.
Progress Reports:
Public Transport Issues: This formed part of the meeting held with Ros Spence. She has received detailed submissions from Joe Calabretta and is currently investigating the changes to the 901 route with a view to have this reinstated to its original path through the suburb rather than around the outside.
Greenvale Drive Reserve Proposed Upgrades: No further updates at this stage.
Government Secondary College for Greenvale: Also part of the meeting with Ros Spence, there is currently a question over the definition of “catchment area”, as well as a discrepancy in projected population figures held by the GRA and those that have previously been presented to the Education Minister by Ms Spence. GRA to send through information that we have which Ms Spence is happy to take back to the Minister, and continue the conversation at this crucial point in Greenvale’s expansion. We will also ask for the assistance of the Council in this matter.
Report of Meeting with Ros Spence
(Local State MP): Other than items noted above, discussion also
occurred around roads – namely the need for increased capacity on both
Mickleham and Somerton Roads. Ms Spence
reported that while there are future (undated) plans for Somerton Road works,
there is nothing on the horizon for Mickleham Road.
Burglaries: Noted that, from
information received as well as published in this week’s Leader, there has not
been a greater increase in Greenvale than in other suburbs in Hume, but there
has been an overall increase in the municipality.
General BusinessSunbury Out of Hume: Reports are coming out now and the auditors are asking for community input. These can be accessed at http://sunburyhumetransition.vic.gov.au/.
Mickleham Road Congestion Issues (As discussed with Stan Januszkiewisz - Team Leader Land Use and Transport Planning, VicRoads Metro West Region):
There are plans drafted for a 6 lane carriageway for Mickleham Road north of Somerton Road, however there is no schedule or funding for this to occur at this stage (space is there to do the work); He is not aware of any plans for Somerton Road but will investigate.
Meeting closed 8:50pm
Next Meeting – Thursday August 27, 2015 at 7:30pm
