MR PALLAS (Treasurer) — I rise to inform the house about the progress of a significant roadworks project in my electorate of Werribee. As part of the state government’s $71 million East Werribee transport improvement package, traffic lights were turned on at the intersection of Sneydes Road and the Princes Highway on 6 April, marking the completion of stage 3. The works include a $13 million safety upgrade for this intersection and at the nearby intersection of Hoppers Lane and the Princes Highway. Additionally, Sneydes Road has been widened with a $4 million investment.

Pedestrians now enjoy widened paths, and cyclists have the benefit of additional lanes and traffic signals, which allow them to safely navigate the busy intersection. The site of the traffic lights was once the entrance to the former state research farm. The rural roads were no longer fit to carry the amount of traffic now experienced in my electorate, being one of the fastest growing communities in Victoria. These infrastructure projects are essential for improving road safety and assisting with managing high traffic flows.

My electorate office has already received positive feedback about the improved traffic flows in the area. My constituents are thankful for a state Labor government that is getting things done. I was pleased to turn the sod at the intersection just over one year ago to commence the project, and I am thrilled to see the progress of these significant works. I note how thrilled the house is to hear my report on this progress.