A business owner is calling for works to address the poor condition of Bangerang Rd.
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Urgent works on Bangerang Rd east of Echuca have been called for by a business owner who says its poor state is affecting trade.
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Cape Horn Vineyard and Riverside Bar co-owner Greg Gilmour said the road had been in a dangerous condition since it was damaged in the October 2022 floods.
He believes it’s a deterrent for potential visitors, and said customers “complain bitterly” about the road when they arrive at the venue.
Cape Horn Vineyard and Riverside Bar co-owners Meighan and Greg Gilmour. Photo: file.
“There’s at least eight sections of the bitumen that have been torn out and not been repaired or fixed,” Mr Gilmour said.
“It’s not been an easy thing for us, and it’s more costly than just guests deciding not to go out there because of the poor condition of the road.”
Damage to a section of Bangerang Rd, showing potholes and scattered gravel.
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A section of Bangerang Rd where half the single lane of bitumen is missing.
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A courtesy bus runs for customers between Echuca and the venue, and Mr Gilmour said its front tyres had to be replaced after travelling 17,000km.
His daughter has also spent over $2000 on car repairs since she began working at the venue one year ago.
“We’re constantly spending money on suspension and tie rod ends, stuff like that. It’s a large cost,” Mr Gilmour said.
“It’s multiple businesses that are affected, plus farmers in the area that have to bash their cars up and down that road.”
While Cape Horn is a popular tourist attraction, it relies more on trade from local customers in the cooler months.
With guest numbers already slightly down on last year, including over Easter, Mr Gilmour said he expected the road’s condition to affect local traffic through winter.
“I think it will, and I think it has affected it,” he said.
Mr Gilmour acknowledged the broader state of the economy was also likely playing a role in reduced trade.
Campaspe Shire Council director of infrastructure Kate Lemon said federal government funding for the road has been approved through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
However, the approval occurred too late to be used over the recent summer construction period.
“Council has tendered the works and will seek to award a contract and undertake road repairs in the 2025/26 summer construction season,” Ms Lemon said.
“In the interim, any public safety concerns can be directed to council and these will be investigated and interim repairs completed as required.”
Mr Gilmour said the council had already undertaken minor works on the road, but the more serious damage had not been adequately fixed.
“At the end of the day, nearly three years after it was damaged by the flood is a very, very long time to have to wait (for repairs),” he said.
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