For seven years, Sean Moran has been anxiously awaiting a decision on a proposed road that could split his farm in half.
Mr Moran's property is on Victoria's scenic Bellarine Peninsula, near Geelong south-west of Melbourne.
When the Geelong Ring Road was opened in 2014, its extension — the Bellarine Link — was expected to follow.
But construction has not commenced on the extension since planning began in 2017, leaving locals in limbo about their futures.
"I would like the government to come forward and tell us — are they going to build this road?" Mr Moran said.
"It's been on the cards for years, but other projects seem to become more important all of a sudden and this one keeps being put on the back burner."
The Bellarine Link would connect the Surf Coast Highway with Portarlington Road to ease traffic congestion, keep trucks out of the city, and enhance transport links to support growth in the region.
Mr Moran has worked as a farmer for decades, harvesting hay, and keeping about 50 Angus cattle, 20 geese, and dozens of chickens on his Moolap property.
If the link went ahead, the government would likely acquire his land and split the farm in two.
Mr Moran's neighbour Anne Crocker would also have part of her farm acquired for the Bellarine Link, which would force her to reduce the number of sheep and cattle on her property.
"We're in limbo … there's been nothing said in concrete, no decisions, as to where it's going," she said.
"What do we do? Do we sell, do we go, do we stay?"
Infrastructure needed to support growing Bellarine Peninsula
Despite the impact on livelihoods, Mr Moran believes road upgrades are necessary to support the region's growing population.
He said he wanted more certainty.
"It doesn't help that lots of subdivisions are allowed further down the Bellarine Peninsula here but without the infrastructure, road-wise, to help these people get to and from their homes," he said.
The government listed the Bellarine Link project in its 2014 election commitments and committed $4 million to a planning study in 2016-17.
The planning study involved determining the preferred alignment for the road, conducting community consultations, and some technical investigations.
The 2021-22 state budget also dedicated funding to a number of upgrades on regional roads, including stage one of the Bellarine Link.
But in an email sent to a resident, seen by the ABC, a Department of Transport official said there was now no project team working on the link and the timeline was unclear.
Member for Western Victorian region Bev McArthur said it was "shocking" that millions of dollars had been spent on planning the project, but no money was invested into building the link.
"It's an appalling waste of taxpayers money without a sod being turned and with no promise of this project going ahead under this government," she said.
"I've asked numerous questions of the ministers but to no avail."
Planning and business case completed
Between 2017 and 2019, VicRoads completed three planning phases before referring the project to Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV).
VicRoads investigated land and road use, identified potential constraints and impacts, gathered community views, undertook detailed technical investigations, developed corridor options and draft designs, presented findings to the community, and narrowed road options to a single route.
MRPV completed development planning and a business case for stage one, between Baanip Boulevard and Barwon Heads Road, but identified considerable environmental challenges for the future stage between Barwon Heads Road and Portarlington Road.
A community consultation report on the first stage of the Bellarine Link revealed 91 per cent of respondents supported the project.
Committee for Geelong CEO Michael Johnston said the Geelong Ring Road was monumental in connecting the region and the extension was the missing link.
"This is that missing connection that's going to connect those people in the southern parts of Geelong right through to the Bellarine," he said.
The population of Geelong has continued to grow with the latest data revealing a population of 271,057, a 13.5 per cent increase from 2016.
This number is expected to keep rising, with the Victorian Government's housing targets for the City of Greater Geelong proposing 139,800 new homes by 2051.
Mr Johnston said the Geelong CBD could not continue being a heavy vehicle thoroughfare.
"This is a part of Geelong with people out having alfresco dining while seeing B-doubles rolling through with things like livestock, chemicals, other debris," he said.
"Key infrastructure projects like this that have been identified, had their business case developed … we need to see those now invested in and getting on with the job in delivering them."
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the government knew south of the Barwon River was a significant growth area and it was continuing to invest in transport infrastructure in that area.
"The Bellarine Link is a long-term project and we're taking the necessary steps to ensure it meets the needs of the local community," the spokesperson said.
