The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has called on the Minister for Roads and Road Safety to address the growing rubbish problem along the Calder Highway, between Mildura and Ouyen.
Ms Benham raised the issue in Parliament after being contacted by numerous constituents about the condition of roadside stops along the Calder, Sunraysia and Mallee highways.
Roadside stops are being left with mattresses, household rubbish and human waste, while the existing bins are often little more than standard street bins. The stops also have no toilet facilities, adding to the problem for people travelling the highway.
“These are major highways used by freight operators, families and travellers, and the current situation is completely unacceptable,” Ms Benham said.
“I frequently drive these highways and continue to see this situation worsening. As soon as the bins are emptied, the rubbish piles up again.
“With the fierce winds we get in this part of the state, rubbish and toilet paper blowing onto a highway where vehicles are travelling at 110 kilometres an hour is a serious safety issue.
“Not only are we having to deal with potholes and crumbling roads, now we’re having to deal with roadside stops that aren’t being properly looked after.
“The Government needs to get on top of this. These roadside stops need to be properly maintained and properly serviced for the people who use these highways.
“The Carroll Labor Government needs to stop pigeonholing Regional Victoria as an afterthought and start giving our highways the attention they deserve.”
