MURRINDINDI: Footy nets plea for Kinglake reserve
Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has asked TAC Minister Ben Carroll to commit to funding the installation of high fencing or nets at the Kinglake Memorial Reserve oval to prevent footballs bouncing onto the busy Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.
“I request this be done through the Transport Accident Commission’s road safety sponsorships program, given their longstanding partnership with AFL Victoria,” Ms McLeish told State Paliament.
“The Kinglake Football Netball Club have senior and junior teams, and too often the ball bounces over the fence and onto the Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.
“We see children and adults running on the road to collect the balls. This can be dangerous and poses a risk of those people being hit by a passing vehicle.
“I have had parents contact me about this, including visiting parents of juniors, and the club also see it as a significant risk because it happens too often.
“Additionally, cars travelling along that road may get hit by a ball and lose control. “This is a busy main road. It has got a few bends in it, and it carries all manner of vehicles.
“Those familiar with Kinglake will know the weather conditions are unique and very often it is foggy or raining, making it difficult for drivers to see and for pedestrians to cross the road safely.
“Nets need to be installed before a preventable accident occurs and someone is seriously injured.”