The serious Black Spur accident this morning (Fri.), in which four people were injured, is a stark reminder of the roulette game that motorists play every time they drive on the Narbethong-Healesville section.

This morning’s accident, when a tree fell on a car, is not the first of its type. If such a hazard existed in a factory, the site would be closed permanently until the hazard was removed.

Old-timers will say that there is nothing new about trees falling across the Maroondah Hwy roadway on the Spur. A drive along the highway gives ample examples of crushed barriers, temporary ‘crime scene’-type tape, and evidence of accident scenes.

The old-timers will say that motorists need to drive to the conditions. But no driver can forsee a massive tree suddenly collapsing on their vehicle. In today’s accident, at least three of the four car occupants have been seriously injured. Two air ambulances were dispatched, to convey the injured to hospital.

Murrindindi Shire Council and Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish have been active in their advocacy to the Roads Minister, VicRoads and other authorities about the need for action of this important thoroughfare.

The Maroondah Hwy link from Healesville to Narbethong, and then onto Marysville, Alexandra and Eildon, is an important corridor. Much of the local economy depends on a safe, reliable route for passenger travel and freight.

The tourism advances made to date will be for nought if the Melbourne and travelling public are not safe, or do not feel safe, in their travels to the region.

No-one is expecting the beautiful forest to be denuded to make the route safe. However, urgent action is needed by the State Government to make increased highway travel safety a top priority.