By Afraa Kori
The opening of Kuyim Primary School in Pakenham has sparked growing concerns among parents and the community about escalating traffic congestion and safety risks.
They are now calling for an urgent upgrade at the Thewlis Road/Princes Highway intersection to address these issues.
The Thewlis Road and Princes Highway intersection upgrade in Pakenham has been identified as an eligible project for the latest round of the Growth Area Infrastructure Contributions (GAIC) Fund.
With costs estimated between $5.6 million and $9 million, the project falls under the 1:1 funding requirement, meaning the Council and State Government will each contribute equal amounts.
However, The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) received a “late” submission to the 2025 Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) Funding Round from Cardinia Shire Council which is under assessment.
According to DTP, all roads surrounding Kuyim Primary School are local roads under the care and management of the local council.
It is the council’s responsibility to monitor the operation and safety of these roads, and to identify and implement any changes.
“We’ll continue to work with Cardinia Shire Council to support safety upgrades in this area,” DTP spokesperson said.
Cardinia Shire Council’s General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Peter Benazic reassured the community that the Council is currently in discussions with the developer and the Victorian Government to ensure that the Thewlis Road and Princes Highway intersection can be upgraded.
“Additional funding is required for these works to proceed, and Council is strongly advocating on behalf of the community for funding to ensure that works can be fast-tracked,” he said.
“Due to the growth in this area, Thewlis Rd and Princes Hwy intersection has been marked as a high priority project, and these upgrades are required to be delivered ahead of the completion of the Kenneth Rd intersection.
“Until the Princes Hwy intersection upgrade is completed, drivers will not be able to access Kenneth Rd via Thewlis Rd, and it will remain closed to ensure community safety and manage safe traffic volumes and movements.
“Drivers are encouraged to take Grandvue Boulevard or Worthington Boulevard to access the new primary school located off Thewlis Rd. Temporary u-turn facilities have been installed along Kenneth Rd to support school traffic, and pedestrians will be able to access Thewlis Rd through Kenneth Rd.
“To help manage the expected increase in traffic around Kuyim Primary School, Council is monitoring parking, traffic levels and movements within the area.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik added the Council is strongly advocating to all levels of government for increased funding and support to help deliver vital infrastructure and upgrades.
“With an average of three households moving into the shire every day, Council is unable to keep up with the demand for upgrades and new infrastructure required for the increasing population,” mayor Kowarzik said.
“We have a funding shortfall, and Council is unable to fund these essential upgrades alone. We need support from all levels of government to make sure we can deliver what our community needs.”
