Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham has been contacted by locals concerned about the safety of tree limbs overhanging major roads and intersections.
Ms Benham spoke in Parliament on this issue, citing her concerns and experiences of near misses.
“Having met with Food and Fibre Producers from Robinvale through to Patchewollock to discuss the dangerous overhanging trees, their worst fear this holiday season is that harvest trucks and machinery cannot see around bends for oncoming traffic.
“Two people have died and a man was airlifted to hospital after a truck and a motorhome collided on Patchewollock-Sea Lake Road in Speed recently.
“First responders, most of which are local volunteers say the conditions of the road and roadside may have been a major contributing factor to the tragedy.
“Our deteriorating highways and roads carry tens of thousands of vehicles, and it is only a matter of time before more lives are lost.”
Ms Benham supplemented her comments, saying that she was keen to see VicRoads take urgent action to avoid any more major accidents.
“I hope VicRoads will be vigilant about monitoring these major roads to avoid any devastating accidents.”
Ms Benham said, “This Christmas and New Year period is a great time to catch up with family and friends after a long year.”
“However, it is also a time when more people are using the road and taking long trips away. This calls for extra vigilance from all road users.
“Remember to drive to the conditions of the road, as even a small pothole could cause serious damage to your car and ruin the festive cheer.”
