By BEN CAMERON
SAFETY concerns with the entrance to a busy shopping precint in Beaconsfield have been addressed with about $6000 worth of road works.
Works have widened the driveway entrance off Beaconsfield-Emerald Road following initial discussions in 2013.
Ranges Ward’s Councillor Brett Owen said the works were badly needed and were an example of the council working with traders to improve the area.
The council shared the cost with the owner, with the council’s contribution to the entrance being around $3500.
“It has been a safety concern with vehicles banking up and drivers finding it difficult to manoeuvre,” Cr Owen said.
“The entrance of the shops at 2 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Beaconsfield, has been a concern for a considerable time, particularly since the access way to Woolworths at the rear of the hotel was opened.
“I have been advocating for this and other improvements to this area for many years and it is great to see improvements finally happening.
“These driveway improvements have been long called for to improve safety at the entrance to this shopping area in Beaconsfield.”
He said improvement were a key action from the Beaconsfield Structure Plan, which will guide the town’s growth and development over the next 10 to 15 years.
“The council intends to work with the owners to make further improvements to traffic circulation, pedestrian movements and car park layout in the Woolworths and Aldi car park area,” he said.
Beaconsfield Progress Association president Graeme Taylor said it was a pleasing result after advocating with landowners.
“It will be a lot safer, so it’s good to see,” he said.
A Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure hearing will be held on Thursday 29 January at the Cardinia Civic Centre where the Traders and Owners Group, represented by five residents, will present for 30 minutes on the proposed structure plan for the town.
