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Eastern Beach Road intersection upgrade and improved pedestrian access for schoolers urged by Darren Chester to Victorian and federal governments

Darren Chester is urging State and Federal Transport Ministers to act immediately to protect lives on a dangerous section of the Princes Highway in Lakes Entrance.

By news@gippsland - 3rd February 2023 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said a failure to upgrade the Eastern Beach Road intersection and adjoining pedestrian access was threatening the lives of school children and visitors to the region. Mr Chester has written to both the state and federal governments seeking an urgent explanation as to why work hasn't started on the Eastern Beach Road intersection with the Princes Highway, more than two years after federal government funding was secured.

Darren Chester says lives are at risk due to the failure to improve pedestrian safety and upgrade the Eastern Beach Rd intersection despite $4 million in federal government funding

Improve pedestrian safety

Mr Chester said, "I'm worried that someone will be killed or seriously injured before the two levels of government get their acts together and install traffic lights, and improve pedestrian safety in front of local businesses."

"It's extremely frustrating for locals when $4 million funding was secured from the federal government in December 2020 but we still haven't seen any final designs or any construction work."

"While the bureaucrats in Canberra and Melbourne are pointing their fingers at each other, local residents are at risk of serious injuries on a corner which has become increasingly busy. I've met with business owners and concerned residents on-site everyone agrees we just need to get the job done. " Mr Chester said.

Keeping kids safe

Mr Chester said St Brendan's Primary School officials were also worried about the safety of students and supported new footpaths and the installation of traffic lights at the intersection.

"I'm not going to stop fighting on behalf of local families and visitors to our region. Over the holiday period, we had young children on bikes and scooters in close proximity to the industrial area and sadly, it's only a matter of time until someone gets hurt." Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Bondi Beach tragedy deeply saddens us. Gippslanders stand united, honoring victims, thanking brave responders, condemning violence, and calling for kindness, tolerance, and community support in the face of adversity.
• Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to urgently fix South Gippsland Highway dangerous, deteriorating road conditions statewide
  Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently repair the deteriorating South Gippsland Highway, citing potholes, failing patches, and community frustration across key stretches before the busy holiday period.
• Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
  The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government.
• Melina Bath launches e-petition urging Labor to enforce gun laws properly and protect law-abiding firearm owners in Gippsland
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath and firearm owner Ryan Weeratunge launch e-petition urging Labor to enforce existing gun laws, avoid rushed changes, and consult law-abiding owners to ensure community safety.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
  Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication.
• Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
  Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts.
• Relax and float on calm waters at Mouth of Powlett River, a serene family-friendly beach escape
  Climb Mt Oberon in Wilsons Promontory for breathtaking 360-degree views of beaches, cliffs, islands, and Bass Strait, exploring nearby walks, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic coastal treasures.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Drouin’s Commercial Place Stage 1 of the $1.1M project set to begin this to boost safety, accessibility and vibrancy
  Stage 1 of the $1.1 million Drouin Commercial Place upgrade begins this week, improving safety, accessibility, footpaths, carparks, and pedestrian areas, with minimal disruption and partial parking available.
• Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth.
• Relax and float on calm waters at Mouth of Powlett River, a serene family-friendly beach escape
  The Mouth of Powlett River, between Kilcunda and Cape Paterson, offers calm waters, sand dunes, and a relaxing family-friendly spot for floating, swimming, and enjoying a lazy summer day.