General News
12 June, 2026
Accident highlights growing safety concerns
AN accident on the Hopkins Highway near Bushfield last week has renewed community concerns about safety along one of the region’s busiest transport corridors.
The incident comes less than a month after another serious crash at the intersection of Spring Flat Road and Hopkins Highway, and follows several other incidents reported by local residents in recent years.
While the Connecting Warrnambool campaign was initially established to advocate for safer walking and cycling connections into Warrnambool, community feedback is increasingly highlighting broader concerns regarding road safety along the Hopkins Highway/Mortlake Road corridor.
“Many families originally joined the conversation because they wanted safer pathways for children and young people to access school, sport and community activities,” Connecting Warrnambool spokesperson Elise McKinnon said.
“However, what we’re now hearing repeatedly is that residents are also deeply concerned about the safety of the road itself.
“Last week’s accident could have been far worse, with the vehicle narrowly avoiding a power pole.
“It follows a number of incidents along this stretch of road that local residents say demonstrate the need for urgent attention.”
More than 200 community members have already participated in the Connecting Warrnambool survey, with respondents highlighting concerns around road safety, accessibility, traffic volumes, speed, cycling safety and the lack of alternative transport connections into Warrnambool.
The community is calling on all levels of government to work together to improve safety outcomes for residents and visitors using the corridor.
“We need safe pathways for our children, but we also need a safer road for every person who uses it,” Ms McKinnon said.
“As our region continues to grow, this corridor is becoming increasingly important. The community is asking for a long-term vision that improves safety, connectivity and accessibility for everyone.”
Residents are encouraged to have their say by completing the Connecting Warrnambool community survey at https://form.jotform.com/261202452835047
