The Opposition has joined worried River Road residents on the steps of Parliament today as they protest the Malinauskas Labor Government’s dangerous decision to divert trucks off Hahndorf’s main street and down the winding country road.
More than 4,000 concerned locals have now signed a petition calling on Peter Malinauskas and Tom Koutsantonis to immediately reverse this “band-aid solution” and find a better way to improve Hahndorf’s traffic issues that doesn’t compromise community safety.
Labor’s rushed new plan – which starts this week – will see around 130 large trucks forced onto River Road each day.
The knee-jerk project has been plagued with controversy, with community members blocked from consultation over the plans, and Tom Koutsantonis arrogantly backflipping on his assurances that no trees would be removed – with his Department declaring 27 would be chopped down.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Vincent Tarzia, said the Malinauskas Labor Government needs to scrap its River Road plan before someone gets hurt.
“Peter Malinauskas and Tom Koutsantonis must immediately perform a U-turn on this reckless plan, as it’s a recipe for disaster,” Mr Tarzia said.
“Forcing hundreds of trucks onto this narrow, winding road with its obscured driveways, that is frequently used by school children and cyclists is just an accident waiting to happen.
“We know there is a need to divert heavy vehicles away from Hahndorf’s main street, but it needs to be a proper, long-term solution like the Hahndorf Bypass project.”
Member for Heysen, Josh Teague, said it’s disappointed the pleas of his local community have been ignored by Peter Malinauskas and Tom Koutsantonis.
“It’s outrageous that the concerns of River Road residents are being completely overlooked,” Mr Teague said.
“Safety should always be a top priority, but with Labor’s plan residents are now asking themselves when not if a serious accident will occur.
“Ignoring the voices of 4,000 local voices isn’t how this should be handled – we hope Peter Malinauskas and Tom Koutsantonis finally come to their senses and take the concerns of my local community seriously.”
