Height restrictions on the Portland Ring Road should be a priority for Roads Minister Jaala Pulford, Member for South West Coast and Shadow Minister for Rural Roads, Ports and Freight Roma Britnell says.
Ms Britnell said while she understands any project to replace bridges would be lengthy, planning and pre-work needs to start as a matter of priority so the project could be completed sooner rather than later.
“This is something the Minister needs to look at as a matter of priority,” Ms Britnell said.
“It has the potential to hamper the operations of the Port and Portland now and into the future. There is a solution to the wind tower issue in place now, but it is a get out of trouble solution, it is not sustainable long term.
“The last thing I want to see as the local member and as the Shadow Minister responsible for Rural Roads, Ports and Freight, is companies avoiding the Port of Portland because of an issue around road access.
“Labor Government policy is driving the increase in wind farms being built and the number of components arriving at the Port. This bridge height issue seems to be an unintended consequence and now it needs to be fixed.”
Ms Britnell said she has spoken to the Glenelg Shire Council about the issue and will make representations to Minister Pulford. “As the Minister is also an upper-house representative for this region, I hope she will be receptive and understand the importance of getting this project moving along,” Ms Britnell said
