By ALESHA CAPONE
WILLIAMSTOWN MP Wade Noonan has thrown his support behind Williamstown RSL’s bid to get two dangerous pedestrian crossings upgraded.
Last month, Star ran a story about the RSL’s long-running campaign to improve a pair of pedestrian crossing points, near the Melbourne Rd-Ferguson St roundabout.
Two RSL members were seriously injured at the site after a motorbike collided with them earlier this year.
RSL president Ernie Poole said a World War II veteran and a female RSL member were still in recovery after the accident.
VicRoads said they would continue to monitor the site but upgrades were “unlikely to be implemented in the short-to-medium term”.
Last week, Mr Noonan said he had teamed up with the RSL to campaign for the pedestrian crossings at the Melbourne Rd-Ferguson St roundabout to be upgraded.
Mr Noonan encouraged residents to visit Williamstown RSL and sign a petition which reads:
“The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the House the need for the Baillieu Government to support the upgrade of pedestrian crossing points on Melbourne Road, at the Ferguson Street roundabout, Williamstown.
In particular, we note:
1. The roundabout’s high pedestrian and motor vehicle usage ;
2. The roundabout’s close proximity to the Williamstown RSL, Williamstown Senior Citizens Centre and local primary and secondary schools;
3. The serious injuries sustained by two RSL members, including 91-year-old veteran who was struck by a motorbike while crossing Melbourne Road.
The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly urge the Baillieu Government to support the upgrade of all pedestrian crossing points on Melbourne Road, at the Ferguson Street roundabout, Williamstown.”
“VicRoads won’t do anything about this issue until someone else gets badly injured or killed,” Mr Noonan said.
“That’s not good enough.
“We’re seeking to demonstrate to the Baillieu Government that the local community wants action at this intersection.
“I’m going to work with the Williamstown RSL until the issue gets resolved and pedestrians lives are no longer placed at risk.”
