Bicycle and pedestrian safety is set for a boost in Victoria’s township of Panmure with a $100,000 investment in safety improvement works for Mount Emu Creek Bridge, Minister for Roads and Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

Minister Mulder said the project will improve safety and efficiency for cyclists and pedestrians travelling between the Panmure residential area on the west side of Mount Emu Creek to the township area on the east side.

“This project will see the installation of a safety barrier separating Princes Highway traffic and pedestrians on the Mount Emu Creek Bridge, and the construction of a new off road pathway on the eastern side of the bridge,” Mr Mulder said.

“The Mount Emu Creek Bridge is a shared path that provides the community with an important link between the residential area and the township of Panmure.

“With heavy vehicles using the Princes Highway and crossing Mount Emu Creek Bridge it is imperative that bicycle and pedestrian connectivity is improved for the Panmure community.”

Mr Mulder said the Department of Transport is partnering with Moyne Shire Council to jointly fund the project.

“This project is a great example of how the Victorian Coalition Government is working with regional councils and communities to further develop and strengthen transport outcomes in regional Victoria,” Mr Mulder said.

“The Coalition Government has listened to the community and is taking action to improve road safety and efficiency for the community of Panmure.”

Moyne Shire Council Mayor Jim Doukas said the bicycle and pedestrian improvement works were very important.

“This is an important link for the Panmure community. This upgrade will provide improved safety for those walking or riding to and from schools, shops and other community facilities,"” Cr Doukas said.

“The investment from the Coalition Government is great news for the Panmure township and the start of what promises to be a great collaboration.”

Member for South West Coast Dr Denis Napthine said the Coalition Government had listened to the Panmure community and was pleased to deliver these much-needed improvements.

“The current crossing along the bridge is a narrow and unguarded walkway along the side of the Princes Highway bridge, which many pedestrians can find frightening, especially when large B-doubles and semi-trailers roar across the bridge while they are crossing.

“Panmure is a growing community, with much of the growth and development taking place on the western side of Mount Emu Creek and on the southern side of the Princes Highway.

“These new safety upgrades will improve the important link between the growing residential area and the township of Panmure and increase safety for students walking or riding to school or residents going into town.

“This was an issue raised with me by the Panmure community a number of times in the past 10 years, but the previous city-centric Labor government failed to listen to my representations and those of the Panmure community.

“Therefore I am pleased that with the election of the Victorian Coalition Government, Transport Minister Terry Mulder has listened to these concerns and delivered this important project,” Dr Napthine said.