I get that the Police would not have been keen to set up a "ring of steel" for a short period of time but surely a threat of massive fines say $20,000 would keep most Melburnians at home.
So whilst filling in time in lockdown reading todays "" I came across an article on page 3 where our local National Party member, Damien Drum is calling (again) for the state government to release the business case for the Shepparton Bypass.Shepparton News
Fair call.
Now Ernesto doesn't know exactly what the delay here is, and I'm guessing it's political, but maybe there is more to it.
I understand that Rural Roads Victoria, the Dept. of Transport along with some Engineers and Hydrologists are all concerned that the building of a bridge and its approach ramps downstream of Shepparton and Mooroopna ( as suggested by the proposed current alignment) would pose a massive flood risk to both towns.
Note that the Hume Fwy town bypasses are all upstream of the towns, like Benalla, Euroa and Wangaratta
This earthworks to build the approaches would be 3 to 3 1/2 meters high amounting to what is effectively a levee bank that would hold water back upstream.
To eliminate this risk the road would have to be raised on concrete pylons or use a massive number of pipes-a very costly exercise.
I would love the bureaucrats involved in this project to report to the relevant politicians on these risks if indeed they exist.
Governments (Federal or State) don't like spending money unless its to pork barrel a marginal seat, think "Sports Rorts" etc.
Although the Federals say there is $208 million for the first stage of the Bypass on the table, I understand the State Government has to kick in some cash as well.
As Nichols is a safe seat, both Federal and State Governments will be reluctant to spend any extra cash.
Is this why the business case is being delayed?
It would save both Governments spending money "unnecessarily" on a safe seat.
Any increase in the estimated cost of the project might be enough for both Governments to "kick it down the road" it saying its too expensive.
Should the bypass should go east of Shepparton as suggested long, long ago?
That route would be much less environmentally damaging as well.
