McCurdy raises safety concerns at busy Yarrawonga intersection

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has raised urgent safety concerns about the intersection of Murray Valley Highway and Frank Drive in Yarrawonga, warning that increasing traffic is putting local families at risk.

 Mr McCurdy said the intersection, which services major retailers including Bunnings and Aldi, has become increasingly dangerous, with reports of near misses occurring almost daily and accidents happening on a weekly basis.

“With Bunnings operating for several years and Aldi opening within the past 12 months, traffic volumes have already increased significantly,” Mr McCurdy said.

“I’m being told by locals that this intersection is becoming a real hazard, with drivers taking risks just to get in and out safely.”

 Long-time Yarrawonga resident James Brogan was among the first to raise concerns with Mr McCurdy.

“This has become a very dangerous intersection, and something needs to be done before someone is seriously injured,” Mr Brogan said.

“Yarrawonga has grown rapidly over the past five years, and our roads and traffic management need to keep pace with that population growth.”

Mr McCurdy said the situation is set to worsen with the upcoming opening of a new Coles store nearby, which is expected to further increase traffic movements along the busy stretch of road.

“We welcome the arrival of Coles, which will provide greater choice and competition for local grocery shopping,” he said.

“However, we must ensure the Victorian Government understands the safety issues and delivers the infrastructure needed to support the rapidly growing Yarrawonga and Mulwala communities.”

Mr McCurdy said he has written to the Minister for Roads, Melissa Horne, inviting her to visit the area.

 “I have asked the Minister to come to Yarrawonga to see firsthand the bottlenecks, traffic flow and congestion at this intersection, as well as other Murray Valley Highway intersections nearby,” he said.

“Yarrawonga deserves safe and reliable access for everyday needs, whether it’s groceries or hardware.”

“Let’s not wait for a major collision before action is taken. I urge the Minister to visit Yarrawonga as soon as possible.”

Mr McCurdy is calling on the Allan Labor Government to urgently assess the intersection

and implement appropriate safety measures, including potential traffic controls or upgrades.

“Our community deserves safe roads. We cannot wait for a tragedy before action is taken,” Mr McCurdy said.