A roundtable was held at Donnybrook Primary school, bringing together Minister Kilkenny, school principal David Williams, community leaders and residents.
Residents raised several issues including public transport improvements, enhancements to community facilities, and the role of developers and council.
Recent investments discussed which will benefit Donnybrook residents once completed included the installation of a mobile phone tower, the development of a new splash park in Kalkallo, the construction of a multipurpose community centre, the introduction of a new "501 Express" bus service connecting Donnybrook to Craigieburn Station, and an increase in Vlocity train services.
In addition, the Donnybrook Road/Mitchell Street Improvement Project is going ahead in September with the slip lane scheduled to be open after two weeks construction.
This project includes the construction of a dedicated left turn lane for southbound travel onto the Hume Freeway, as well as essential works such as widening the Hume Freeway on-ramp and road resurfacing.
To minimise disruption, these works will be carried out as a 24/7 construction blitz from September 15th to September 29th, coinciding with the school holidays when traffic volumes are lower. During this period, the Donnybrook Road/Mitchell Street intersection will be temporarily closed in all directions, and local residents and businesses will have access to designated detour routes.
For more information about the Donnybrook Road/Mitchell Street Improvement Project, including detour maps, please visit roadprojects.vic.gov.au/donnybrook-mitchell.
Lauren Kathage MP continues to advocate for the interests of Donnybrook and encourages local residents to contact her with any concerns or attend one of her mobile offices at Shared Cup in Olivine Estate.
Lauren Kathage MP, Member for Yan Yean: “It’s so important to me that government Ministers hear directly from local residents – making sure that our local concerns are factored into decision making. That’s what we have done here today. It was a productive meeting”
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny: “More and more young families are calling Donnybrook home. It was great to meet some of them and to hear what they love about their local community and their aspirations for this fast-growing area.”
