Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Hall

Call For By-Pass Inquiry Results

The State Government’s delay in announcing the results of an inquiry into plans for a Traralgon by-pass is creating uncertainty in the local community, according to The National Party.

By Peter Hall - 12th October 2007 - Back to News

Eastern Region MP Peter Hall said the results of the inquiry, according to former Premier Steve Bracks, should have been released more than three months ago.

"Even more disturbing is that Planning Minister, Justin Madden, doesn’t know what’s going on," Mr Hall said. "When I raised the matter in Parliament this week, he had no answers."

Mr Hall was supported by Morwell MLA, Russell Northe, who said the growth in the local region required the Government to act quickly.

"People locally want to know what the future holds for the area so they can make business and personal decisions about development, including housing," Mr Northe said.

In Parliament, Mr Hall asked the Minister about the Traralgon by-pass supplementary inquiry.

"The inquiry was established earlier this year to take a further look at the decision on the route chosen by the original advisory committee inquiry in 2004 in bypassing Traralgon," Mr Hall said.

"In particular the focus of this supplementary inquiry was on the proposed Princes Highway bypass route on the western side of Traralgon."

Mr Hall said he made a submission to the supplementary inquiry, which is chaired by Keith Hamilton, a former member for Morwell, way back in April.

"Recent inquiries directed to the government regarding progress on this inquiry resulted in advice being given to my colleague the current member for Morwell, Mr Russell Northe, by the then Premier, Steve Bracks, in a letter dated 18 June.

"Importantly he (Mr Bracks) mentioned; ‘The committee's report is not expected to be completed until 3 July 2007.’"

Mr Hall said more than three months since the report was due, there was still no word.

And the response from the Planning Minister was less than satisfactory.

"Mr Madden really had no idea what was going on," Mr Hall said outside Parliament.

"His was a particularly lame response. He said he thought it was with the department but really had no idea of its status."

Mr Hall added: "This is an important matter for the future development of the City of Latrobe and in particular for the corridor between Traralgon and Morwell."

Mr Hall and Mr Northe have called on the Minister to make available the report of the supplementary inquiry immediately and that he announce "as a matter of urgency" the government's decision regarding the preferred bypass route.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Gippsland Water appoints Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to the board, bringing experience, diversity and community focus
  Gippsland Water has appointed Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to its Board, bringing diverse experience, strong community engagement, and fresh perspectives, while outgoing directors Jo Benvenuti and Chris Badger are acknowledged.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.