The Andrews Labor Government will provide $45 million to upgrade key freight routes in south west Victoria, which will support farmers, create jobs and boost exports.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced $20 million to upgrade the Princes Highway between Colac and the South Australian border.
Ms Tierney also announced a further $20 million for the Henty Highway, and improvements on roads around the Port of Portland in the Green Triangle Region.
This funding builds on last week’s announcement of a $40 million investment to upgrade narrow roads in the south west, with an additional $10 million for maintenance.
The Princes Highway West (A1) is the key east-west route in south-western Victoria.
The highway is a vital connection between the major regional centres and the towns of Geelong, Colac, Camperdown, Warrnambool and Mount Gambier in SA. It also links with Portland via the Henty Highway.
These roads provide south eastern Australia with access to domestic and export markets, particularly through the Ports of Geelong and Portland, and are important routes for the grain, livestock, dairy, and timber industries.
An additional $5 million will see improvements along the Hamilton Highway, between Geelong and Cressy.
Road surfaces have deteriorated due to the high number of heavy vehicles using the roads which were not designed for these volumes or loads, on top of unprecedented amounts of rainfall over the last few years.
The upgrades will include rebuilding sections of road, resurfacing, new overtaking lanes, intersection improvements, shoulder sealing, new signage and line marking.
Safety improvements will take place at:
- Princes Highway between Terang and Boorcan
- Princes Highway between Heywood and Dartmoor
- Princes Highway near Port Fairy
- Henty Highway north of Heywood
- Henty Highway (Portland Ring Road)
- Portland-Nelson Road
- Portland-Casterton Road
- Hamilton Highway between Geelong and Cressy
The works will improve the state of these roads and not only create smoother and safer roads for all
motorists, but will also preserve their longevity.
While many communities across the region have struggled with recent flooding and severe weather
these works will help to complete emergency and patching works that are ongoing.
This $90 million package of works is joint-funded between the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments as part of the Victorian Infrastructure Package.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“We’re working to make these roads safer and more reliable, and ensure our local producers can move their goods as safely and efficiently as possible between Colac and the border.”
“I know our local community has been crying out for this funding – that’s why I’m proud to be a part of a Government that is making a significant investment in long overdue road upgrades and renovation.”