Bypass moves forward

By Dion Teasdale
PLANS to construct a traffic bypass around Yarra Glen took another step forward last week.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillors voted to endorse plans to apply for funding from both the Federal and State Governments for the bypass project at a council meeting last Tuesday, 11 July.
Ryrie Ward councillor Jeanette McRae said the shire had lodged a funding submission with the Federal Government’s AusLink Strategic Regional Program for $5.5 million for the construction of stage one of the bypass, and was seeking funding from the State Government to qualify for the program.
Cr McRae said the bypass, involving construction of a new road between Healesville-Yarra Glen Road and the Melba Highway, connecting near the Old Healesville Road intersection, would have widespread benefits for quality of life, the environment and economy.
“A bypass around Yarra Glen will reduce noise impacts and traffic congestion, enhance the township’s amenity and accessibility, making it even more appealing for residents and shoppers, and will help reduce traffic delays caused by vehicles having to slow down to negotiate the town centre,” she said.
Cr McRae acknowledged the support of McEwen MP Fran Bailey, whom she said was instrumental in organising a meeting with Federal Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads Jim Lloyd to discuss the bypass and to look at the possibility of Federal Government funding.
“The advice we have received from the Federal Government is that in order to qualify for the funding program we will require matching State Government funding,” Cr McRae said.
“We will be seeking a commitment from the State Government to support this much-needed bypass.”
Meanwhile, plans for the bypass were discussed at a community forum held in Yarra Glen last week, organised by the Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce and the Yarra Glen and District Township Group.
Chamber of commerce president Chris Lamacraft said the meeting, attended by more than 50 local residents, was a success.
“The mood at the meeting was quite good and most people there were in favour of the bypass project,” he said.
Mr Lamacraft said several concerns about traffic management and the impact of the bypass on the environment were raised.
“There was some concern expressed about traffic management and how the bypass would connect the Melba Highway to Old Healesville Road,” he said.
“There was also some concern about the impact of noise from the bypass and how the bypass would impact on the rural view looking out from the Yarra Glen racecourse towards Healesville.”
Mr Lamacraft said concerns raised by residents were noted and the chamber of commerce and the township group would be working with the shire to address them.
He said residents wanting to have further input into the bypass issue can contact the Yarra Glen and District Township Group via email at communities@yarraglen.com.au or write to the group c/- PO Box 232, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775.