March 29th, 2025Speed zone change now slated for Creswick roadkill hot-spot
Many years of lobbying to see the speed limit reduced from 100km to a uniform 80km on a section of the Midland Highway at Creswick now look as though they will soon pay off for locals concerned about safety.
“We have committed to reduce the speed limit on the Midland Highway outside Creswick by the end of May,” a Victorian Government spokesperson has confirmed.
Creswick locals had long lobbied to have the short 100km section of the main road out of town on the Ballarat side of Creswick brought in line with the connecting 80km limit, amid safety concerns.
Last April, responding to the concerns, the Hepburn Shire Council resolved to contact the Department of Transport seeking the proposed speed reduction on the short stretch of Midland Highway that passes the main entrance to Creswick’s RACV Forest Resort.
With the 100km section also passing through a pre-existing wildlife corridor, the high rate of wildlife trauma in the area has also been highlighted as devastating for wildlife, increasing the danger for motorists and frequently upsetting visitors and locals.
Until now, however, the council had not heard back from the department in response to the request it submitted for the 80km section to be extended.
But after The Local recently ran a story examining where the issue was at, and amid further inquiries lodged by locals, news came through, via the office of local MP Martha Haylett, confirming that:
“DTP (Department of Public Transport) has reviewed the speed zone on the approach to township of Creswick.
“Based on the number of access points in this location, including the RACV Resort entrance and O’Keefes Dam recreation area, it has been assessed that extension of the existing 80km/h zone is considered appropriate.
“DTP will now seek approval for the implementation of the 80 km/h speed limit extension.”
Among the many Creswick residents pleased to hear of the development, local wildlife rescuer Marg Phillips says bringing the 100km section in line with the existing 80km zone will significantly improve safety for locals, visitors and wildlife.
“There has been research done in the Geelong area that found reducing the limit by just 20km reduced kanagaroo hits by over 50 percent,” she said.
“They found it made a huge difference. I hope they get these (new 80km) signs up before winter because that’s the worse period for roo hits along there. And then the road is wet and icy and even more dangerous.”
Hepburn Shire Council mayor Don Henderson has also welcomed the news and says he expects it will now take four to six weeks to see the 100km section brought in line with the adjoining 80km section.
“It’s so important to locals and people who live and work in the (RACV) resort. They run the gauntlet all the time, and for people who use that road, and particularly for people who are visitors and who don’t know the road,” Cr Henderson said.
Words & Image: Eve Lamb
