7th of February 2024, 13:04
Legislative Council of Victoria, Melbourne
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. My constituent cycles along Hopkins Street in Footscray, one of the few railway crossings between Footscray and the CBD.
My constituent describes the entire area as treacherous for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Of particular concern is the Joseph Road apartment precinct, where cars turning left from Joseph Road into Hopkins Street tend not to see the faded bike path and are not checking for cyclists. This has resulted in several incidents.
The Age recently obtained documents showing that prior to the tragic death of 23-year-old Angus Collins, multiple warnings about the Footscray and Dock Link roads intersection were ignored.
My constituents ask: will the minister commit to undertaking an urgent safety audit and appropriate corrective action for the Joseph Road–Hopkins Street precinct to prevent further tragedies into the future?
Written Answer
Received: 14 March 2024
Hon. Melissa Horne MP
(Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety)
I thank the Member for Western Metropolitan Region for his question. I was saddened to hear of the death of Mr Collins, and my thoughts are with his loved ones and all those affected by this tragic incident.
I recently met with the Member for Footscray, Ms Katie Hall MP, Maribyrnong City Council and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to discuss this important issue.
I am advised that Maribyrnong City Council, which is managing the delivery of the Joseph Road precinct, has conducted a road safety audit for the precinct. Council is currently working with DTP to review and address any risks identified in the audit and to identify potential improvements.
Furthermore, DTP and Council are also considering additional treatments to improve road safety at this location, including a safer speed limit on Hopkins Street and Whitehall Street.
[ENDS]
