State Member for Hastings, Neale Burgess, has called on the Brumby Government to construct the Baxter section of Peninsula Link as an underpass instead of its planned overpass.

 

In a joint letter with Federal Member for Flinders, Greg Hunt, to the Premier, Mr Burgess raised the serious concerns Baxter residents have with the State Government’s decision to run an overpass through their community.

 

Mr Burgess said: “Local residents are understandably distressed at the proposal to construct a 500 metre long overpass, which will be lined with 7 meter high noise barriers through the middle of their community. An ugly, noisy overpass will destroy the peaceful amenity of the Baxter community and will essentially cut the town in two”.

 

Strong community opposition to the proposed overpass was again demonstrated at a public meeting held at the Baxter Hall on 9 September. The meeting, which was organised by local Baxter activist Peter Baulch, attracted a large crowd of local residents.

 

Mr Burgess said: “It is clear that locals do not want such an unsightly structure running through their town. Mr Brumby must listen to the community and commit to running this section of Peninsula Link under Baxter-Tooradin and Frankston-Flinders Roads.”

 

“The challenges of constructing an underpass have been overcome in many other areas, so why should Baxter be made to accept a structure that is so potentially damaging to the community.” said Mr Burgess.

 

An underpass was the solution originally proposed by the State Government’s own Environmental Effects Statement.

 

“With thousands of vehicles expected to use Peninsula Link every day, the Premier must guarantee that the people of Baxter will not have to endure his proposed overpass.” said Mr Burgess

 

Mr Burgess has asked that anyone who would like to make a comment or raise a question regarding the proposed Baxter underpass/overpass, please contact him on 5977 5600 or at neale.burgess@parliament.vic.gov.au