MEMBER for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has urged the Minister for Transport Infrastructure to meet with local business owners from the Doreen Business Precinct to discuss their calls for additional car parking and a bicycle depot near the new Yan Yean and Bridge Inn roads intersection.
Business owners have voiced growing concern about the impact of the Yan Yean Road Stage 2 upgrade, warning that the new road alignment and landscaping could harm visibility and access to the precinct.
Recently released reference designs and artist impressions of the intersection show plans for tall trees surrounding the Old General Store and Post Office. Traders fear these trees could obscure the view of the precinct from both Yan Yean Road and Bridge Inn Road, reducing exposure to passing traffic and potentially affecting their signage rights, assurances they say were made when roadworks began.
Ms Lovell said she has raised these issues in parliament, calling on the Minister to meet directly with traders to understand their concerns and consider practical solutions that would help sustain local trade.
“I call on the Minister to meet with traders, and consider their proposed solution that includes new public car parking sites, as well as a bike depot and secure storage area to encourage active transport, all of which will help maintain visibility of the business precinct from the road,” Ms Lovell said.
Retailers have long argued that the redirection of traffic away from former entry points to the precinct will reduce passing trade and accessibility. They believe that extra parking and a dedicated bike facility would not only support local businesses but also promote sustainable transport options for the growing Doreen community.
