The City of Casey is calling out to the Victorian Government to fund crucial road safety improvements at the intersection of Princes Highway, Coniston Avenue and the entrance to Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said Council had renewed its call to the Victorian Government for traffic signals to be installed at the intersection and for street lighting to be upgraded on Princes Highway between William Road and York Road to improve safety for all road users.
“We know this issue is so important to the local community, particularly following the pedestrian fatality at this location in 2017 involving former City of Casey Councillor and Mayor, Mick Morland,” Ms Duff said.
“In the five years of available data from 2016–20, there has been at least two recorded crashes resulting in one fatality, one serious injury and three other injuries.”
Ms Duff said Princes Highway is an arterial road managed by the Department of Transport (DoT), and that any upgrades to the road are the responsibility of the Victorian Government.
“We have written to the Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety seeking support for a signalised intersection with pedestrian crossings at this location to improve the safety of all road users, including visitors to Wilson Botanic Park and bus patrons that use stops along Princes Highway,” she said.
Ms Duff said the 39-hectare Wilson Botanic Park was one of the City of Casey’s premier attractions and a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
“Wilson Botanic Park has experienced a significant rise in visitors over the past two years, increasing from approximately 420,000 visitors in 2019 to almost 700,000 in 2021,” she said.
“The intersection was an identified need prior to this increase in visitors and traffic, so it is more important than ever that the intersection is upgraded to ensure the safety of all road users.
“Furthermore, a signalised pedestrian crossing will result in greater active transport opportunities, encouraging more people to walk, ride and use bus services.”
In the letter to the Minister, Council requested that funding opportunities be re-assessed by DoT to deliver these road safety improvements in a timely manner and that DoT commence detailed design investigations into the proposed works.
Last month Gembrook MP Brad Battin supported a public petition by local resident Shaun Grewal with the same aim to improve motorist and pedestrian safety near the park.
Mr Grewal said the petition has the support of over 200 signatures so far, with a total of 500 signees needed for it to be taken to State Parliament by Mr Battin for further consideration.
The petition can be found at bit.ly/3NIKkgP
