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One’s right wits

Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien is demanding answers on bungled roadworks across Gippsland.

Photo: Contributed Bumpy road no progress

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MEMBER for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien has taken to State Parliament demanding answers from Roads Minister Ben Carroll over roadworks bungles last year that have angered Gippsland motorists. Mr O’Brien said a number of projects last year including shoulder widening of key roads in the region resulted in poor quality outcomes and potholes and road surface damage within weeks or months of the works being completed. Speaking in Parliament, Mr O’Brien called on Mr Carroll to explain the bungle and outline whether taxpayers would again be forced to pay for the repairs. “When this funding was announced jointly by the federal and state governments last year I certainly strongly welcomed it as much needed improvements to many of our local arterial roads such as Bengworden Road, Longford-Loch Sport Road, Rosedale-Longford Road and TraralgonMaffra Road," he said. “However not long after the works were completed it was clear they were sub-standard with the join to the shoulder and the main road breaking up quickly and leaving potholes and dangerous road surfaces. “I wrote to the Minister some months ago about this issue, but he declined to respond instead asking Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) to contact me directly. “While RRV has acknowledged the works were not up to scratch, there are still many answers we deserve.” Mr O’Brien said with patching and repair works underway over recent weeks it was clear Gippslanders and taxpayers deserve an explanation. “I’ve asked the Minister to investigate and explain what went wrong, who was at fault and who is paying for the rectification works," he said. “While there is no doubt wet weather played a part, anecdotally I have heard suggestions that contractors were unhappy with what they were required to do by RRV and it’s time the Minister gave an explanation. “Gippslanders are already having to deal with very ordinary roads – to now be double charged to have these works rectified is adding salt to the wound.” Mr Carroll has 30 days to respond to Mr O’Brien’s request.

Federal fund will provide assistance to local cinema

A GIPPSLAND independent cinema has received a financial boost thanks to Federal Government SCREEN Fund. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said Sale Cinema had received $35,000 as one-off financial relief due to the impacts of COVID-19 on cinema operators. “Cinemas in Gippsland, especially locally run independent ones have been hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions and this financial support will help them get back on their feet and cover operational costs,” Mr Chester said. “While many businesses could adapt to provide takeaway or online models, cinemas faced months of closures or restricted numbers over the last couple of years. “Supporting local cinemas as they recover ensures the doors remain open and locals can enjoy films. Round two of the Supporting Cinema’s Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund is now open, with applications closing April 30, 2022. For further information visit: https://www. screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/ covid-19-support/screen-fund

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