Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur tabled the petition, which had 4309 signatures, in parliament last week. She said community members did not want wire rope barriers installed in two sections of the highway - in the median strip of the dual carriageway and in the centre of a single-carriageway stretch of road.

"The resounding plea to the Andrews government from the local community is to build roads, not barriers," Ms McArthur said. "Dairy farmers are already struggling with dilapidated, inadequately funded roads in western Victoria.

"The government's addiction to wire rope barriers is just another obstacle to rural lives and family farms."

Related content: Community calls for money to be spent on highway duplication

Ms McArthur said prime land was compulsorily acquired by the government to allow construction of a dual highway between Allansford and Panmure.

However, half a century later property owners have instead been told wire rope barriers will be installed.

She said residents were concerned the wire rope barriers prevent motorists from being able to pull over in the case of an emergency, make highways difficult for transport operators to drive on, barriers in the middle of a single carriageway hinder the mobility of larger vehicles and there is the cost of ongoing maintenance.

In December last year Mick Mahony told The Standard he was opposed to the installation of wire rope barriers.

"I think they achieve nothing," he said.

Mr Mahony said duplication of the highway should be the priority.

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