Adjournment Debate- Sunbury-Diggers Rest shared pathway

Mr J. BULL (Sunbury) — (12 923) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. The action I seek is for the minister to commit funds to build a shared pathway on the west side of Vineyard Road, Sunbury, over the Calder Freeway to connect Diggers Rest and Sunbury. I have met and have been working closely with the Sunbury and Diggers Rest Bicycle Users Group, a passionate group of locals committed to seeing this project delivered. Over a number of months the Sunbury and Diggers Rest Bicycle Users Group have been working closely with VicRoads on design and costings for the project. They have shown excellent leadership and a commitment to see this project implemented.

Currently a pathway does exist along Vineyard Road. However, this path stops short of the bridge over the freeway, effectively restricting access between Sunbury and Diggers Rest. Both communities are growing. In their advocacy the group have engaged Hume City Council and the City of Melton on the proposal, and I am very pleased to say that both municipalities have been supportive of connecting the pathway.

The Andrews Labor government has made significant investment in local infrastructure through the budget and of course through ongoing funding streams like the Growing Suburbs Fund. Those opposite failed to deliver anything for the Sunbury community for four years. I have previously written to the minister about this project, and I know he is aware of the need to see it delivered. This project is extremely well supported in the community, and it would make a significant difference to thousands of bike riders, runners and walkers who want to head out during the week and of course across the weekend.

Let us not forget of course Labor in Lycra, which raises important money for the Smith Family and is in high demand across the state. They would be very supportive of this project. The action I seek is that the minister commit funding to see this bike path delivered.