Hansard debates

Dr CUMMING (Western Metropolitan) (17:02): My adjournment matter is to the Minister for Roads, and the action that I seek is for the minister to put the health and wellbeing of the residents of Williamstown Road and the surrounding streets first by diverting the West Gate Tunnel traffic to a more appropriate route while the M1 is closed for roadworks. We are in the midst of a public health state of emergency. Experts advise of various ways to boost our immune system, including getting plenty of sleep. At the same time my constituents on Williamstown Road and the surrounding streets are being significantly deprived of sleep due to their largely single-lane road being turned into a freeway.

I am not overstating it when I say that sleep deprivation is torture, and torture is what my residents have been subjected to from 10.00 pm to 7.00 am every night during March, due to the West Gate Tunnel roadworks. Traffic from the M1 is being diverted down their road—literally thousands of cars and trucks. Three solid weeks of less than 4 hours of sleep per night are taking their toll. Whilst hardworking people and their children try to sleep, trucks are screeching their brakes and rattling houses all night long. Sleep deprivation is linked to adverse health outcomes, such as increased cardiovascular events and mental illness, just to name two. My constituents have been seeking a solution from their local member, the Honourable Melissa Horne, but no action has been taken at this time. This is unacceptable at any time, but in this challenging situation we find ourselves in, the problem seems to feel even worse.

With thought for the residents and proper planning, this is an entirely preventable situation. Restricting the passage of trucks or redirecting them via Old Geelong Road while the M1 is closed for the West Gate Tunnel roadworks could be a start. Roadworks are necessary and prone to causing disruption, and my residents understand this. However, this government needs to rethink the impact on people when road closures occur—right now and in the future—and make more appropriate decisions about their diversions.