LIBERAL MP for Nepean, Sam Groth has described the federal government’s decision to cut $75 million from Mornington Peninsula transport projects as being “bitterly disappointing and a kick in the guts” for motorists using the Mornington Peninsula Freeway”.
The “blow” to southern peninsula residents means the cancellation of both the Jetty Road, Rosebud overpass and sound barriers on the freeway (“Budget cuts end travel plans” The News 21/11/23).
Groth said the previous federal coalition government had committed money for both projects in 2019.
“Locals have long called for a solution to the chronic congestion at the end of the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, which is at its worst during the summer peak,” Groth said.
“Late last year the Victorian Liberals and Nationals announced a plan to deliver a $175 million upgrade of the Mornington Peninsula Freeway between Jetty Road and Boneo Road, Rosebud if elected at the November 2022 state election.
“This year I wrote to federal Infrastructure Minister, Catherine King on 30 January and again on 10 July urging her support for federal funding to fix this dangerous intersection.
“Investing in this important project would mean a quicker and safer commute for families right across the Mornington Peninsula. Vital funding that this community has requested.”
Groth said that after the announcement of the $75m cut he had again written to King asking her “reverse this harsh funding cut as it goes against the wishes of the community and this unjust decision shouldn’t go unopposed”.
Groth said some residents had contacted him to voice their disapproval of the cut and asked, “why funding had been spent on interim measures at Jetty Road when an overpass was clearly needed and where has the funding been allocated to?”
“I have also written to and strongly lobbied the state government in parliament for matching funding for a Jetty Road overpass and funding for sound barriers on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway at Safety Beach, Dromana, McCrae and Rosebud,” he said.
“Both the state and federal governments have failed to deliver on funding for these crucial infrastructure projects.
“It is most unfortunate that Labor has dropped the ball on these vital projects and continues to ignore families on the Mornington Peninsula.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 November 2023