Victor Harbor Road

In reply to Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14 November 2023).

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining): My response to regular users of Victor Harbor Road with regard to the overtaking lane at Hindmarsh Valley is very simple:

We have heard you. We have listened to you. And we have acted in accordance with the concerns you have raised.

Building this overtaking lane as originally planned would have resulted in the loss of a long and much-loved avenue of mature gum trees – this was brought to my attention in numerous letters from locals and in the consultation undertaken by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

As it was put to me in correspondence from the South Coast Progressive Women’s Association:

‘[I] thank you for the decision not to proceed with the proposed overtaking lane on Victor Harbor Road at Hindmarsh Valley.

We are pleased to note that the Department for Transport will continue to investigate alternatives to improve road safety in the area. Please extend our thanks also to [the engagement manager] and the community engagement team from DIT for their consultation and feedback.

The community has advocated for this outcome over many months and are very pleased the minister and government have listened to community concerns.