MondFriday, 30 June 2006

VICROADS ABANDON TREE SIGNS

VicRoads ‘Trees Close to Road’ signs are being taken down in response to a public outcry that they were a waste of taxpayer’s money according to Bill Sykes, Nationals Member for Benalla.

Dr Sykes said, “Late last year, I made a public issue of the VicRoads ‘Trees Close to Road’ signs after a constituent pointed out the obvious – If you can’t see the trees you probably can’t see the sign!”

“I followed up with VicRoads this week and asked what the policy was in relation to the signs.

“I was told that there was no written policy and that no more signs were being installed and that existing signs will be progressively removed – because VicRoads now realises that the signs stated the obvious!”

Dr Sykes continued, “This is yet another example of a disgraceful waste of hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer’s money by the Bracks Government whose sole purpose in this case was to protect themselves against being sued by someone hitting a roadside tree.

“Common sense would dictate that instead of spending money on the signs warning people of the obvious danger, the offending dangerous trees should be removed. In fact the Government provided for VicRoads to do this in response to the recommendations of an ‘all party’ Parliamentary Enquiry into Vehicle Accidents Involving Roadside Objects.

“Clearly not only is common sense lacking but the left hand of Government doesn’t know what the right hand of Government is doing.

Dr Sykes highlighted the stupidity of the signs policy with the example of ‘Trees Close To Road’ signs being placed either side of Barjarg, on the Midland Highway, approximately 40 kms south of Benalla.

Dr Sykes said, “VicRoads put up the ‘Trees Close To Road’ signs even though the local people had for several years been asking for ‘School Bus Stop Ahead’ warning signs.

“After several months of lobbying by local people, VicRoads removed the ‘Trees Close To Road’ signs and replaced them with ‘School Bus Stop Ahead’ signs. Nothing was done to the small number of trees for which the signs were put up initially, that is, the hazard remained the same but the VicRoads signs were considered no longer necessary.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “I challenge the Bracks Government to reveal how many ‘Trees Close To Road’ signs were erected and at what cost to the taxpayer”.

Further, I call on the Bracks Government to immediately commence removal of hazardous roadside trees as it has committed to do in its response to the recommendations of the Enquiry Into Vehicle Accidents Involving Roadside Objects.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989