THE Broadford Resident’s Action Group’s (BRAG) petition for a safer Broadford intersection has gained support at government level, with The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, calling on the State Government to implement changes.
The petition, launched by BRAG and sponsored by Ms Cleeland, calls on the government to implement traffic lights and pedestrian safety measures before any further works are carried out.
“The Broadford community has been clear. They are deeply concerned about Inland Rail’s proposed changes to the Hamilton Street Bridge and the serious safety risks they pose,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Hamilton and High Street intersection is the busiest in Broadford, and raising the bridge without effective traffic lights and improved signage will only make it more dangerous.
“The steep descent from the new bridge, with a 1.7 metre increase in height and only 54 metres between the bridge and High Street, will create an even greater hazard for vehicles and pedestrians. Without effective traffic lights and improved signage, this risks more accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions for everyone using the intersection.”
The petition highlights that Inland Rail’s current plans fail to provide adequate safety protections and do not meet the community’s expectations for responsible infrastructure planning.
“Despite years of discussions with Inland Rail, ARTC, the Federal Government and Mitchell Shire Council, local voices are still being ignored,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Broadford Structure Plan, adopted in 2022, clearly calls for intersection upgrades such as a roundabout or traffic control measures. Yet those recommendations have been disregarded.”
Following her most recent meeting with the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ms Cleeland has also called for the Department of Transport’s safety report on ARTC’s proposed changes to be released publicly.
“I am proud to sponsor this petition and thank BRAG for their tireless work. I will continue to push for proper safety infrastructure before it is too late,” Ms Cleeland said.
