General News
12 August, 2025
Crash leads to road use changes
The Yarriambiack Shire Council has successfully advocated to the Department of Transport and Planning for changes to Stawell-Warracknabeal Road outside of Minyip following a collision between a school bus and a B-double on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Chief executive Tammy Smith said that on behalf of councillors, mayor Kylie Zanker wrote to the Department of Transport and Planning's executive director of the Barwon South West Grampians region the following day, July 25, advising them of the crash and requesting increased safety measures be implemented.
Ms Smith said the mayor had received a prompt response from the executive director, who had advised the mayor that a permanent speed reduction would be installed as soon as possible, as requested.
The speed will be reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.
"This section of the road has experienced multiple incidents, including a previous livestock truck rollover,” Cr Zanker said.
“Additionally, residents frequently observe skid marks, indicating that vehicles often navigate the bend at excessive speeds.
"While it is acknowledged that DTP will conduct its investigation into the incident and its contributing factors, it is recommended that clear signage be installed to alert drivers approaching from Warracknabeal to reduce their speed.
"There is currently an 80 km/h sign located a few hundred metres before the crossing, as is standard at all level crossings, though consideration could be given to lowering this speed limit.”
Cr Zanker advised the DTP that navigating the bend at 80 km/h may present difficulties for loaded trucks, and while there was a stop sign at the crossing, she was aware that some drivers did not comply with it.
"For anyone who is not familiar with that stretch of the road, the sweeping nature of the bend, combined with maintaining the speed limit, could be a significant safety hazard," she said.
The driver of the bus, a 56-year-old woman, was flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne with serious injuries; fortunately, she has since returned home.
Police praised the work of the SES, CFA, and ambulance officers and are investigating the cause of the crash.