The State Government has been accused of misleading the East Gippsland community after admitting that no geotechnical inspections were actually conducted on the failing section of Paynesville Road, despite previously claiming on two occasions that the work was finished.
The stretch of road, located just outside Bairnsdale, has become notorious for severe pavement subsidence and undulation, earning it the local nickname “the Paynesville rollercoaster.”
For years, motorists have been forced
to navigate reduced speed limits and
hazard signage.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, who first raised the issue in 2023, said he was “astounded” by the government’s recent backpedaling.
“The Minister responded to my representations on three occasions, twice stating geotechnical inspections had been undertaken to ascertain the underlying causes of the road’s undulation,” Mr Bull said.
“However, after a period of silence and no action, I was advised that a geotechnical inspection has not yet been undertaken
at this location.”
The latest correspondence from the Minister confirmed that while an investigation was completed in May 2024, it was conducted near the Mitchell River bridge – roughly 200 metres away from the section currently experiencing the worst of the pavement failure.
“In essence, the Government knew there was a problem where warning signs were installed but chose to conduct testing 200 metres away – not where the issue actually exists,” Mr Bull said.
“Failing to investigate the affected area defies common sense.”
The admission means that the project is now set to drag into a third year of delays.
The state government has indicated that new investigations will now be scheduled for the correct site, with repair works to follow once the data is analysed.
Mr Bull said the bungle has left local residents and commuters frustrated by the lack of progress on a primary arterial route.
“It appears this issue will drag into a third year, but hopefully this time the testing is done in the right location,” he said.
“This would be laughable if it wasn’t
so serious.”
The “Paynesville rollercoaster” remains under a reduced speed limit as authorities prepare to start the inspection process from scratch.
