General News
11 May, 2022
MP announces funding for roads
MOYNE Shire is set to benefit from an $11.1 million federal investment towards upgrading roads.
MOYNE Shire is set to benefit from an $11.1 million federal investment towards upgrading roads.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan visited the region on Monday to announce a commitment of $11,178,491 which includes upgrading the Chatsworth-Woorndoo Road under the Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program.
The funding will upgrade a total of 31.35 kilometres in the Woorndoo and Chatsworth area, and will be delivered over a period of two years.
Mr Tehan said the Federal Government was working with council across Wannon to fund important local road improvement projects.
“The Moyne Shire upgrades would make driving safer, more efficient and reduce wear and tear on vehicles,” he said.
“This commitment builds on the Morrison Government’s strong investment to support local road and infrastructure improvements across the Moyne Shire, including over $26.7 million committed under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) and Roads to Recovery programs."
“The Morrison Government is working in partnership with local authorities to deliver road improvements that will make a big difference to the communities that use these roads."
“Delivering better roads with more federal funding for local roads and highways is part of my plan for Wannon.”
Moyne Shire Council mayor Ian Smith said he was ecstatic council’s application had been successful.
“Council’s annual roads budget is around $10 million, so this funding is a bit more than double that and will ensure over the next two years we are spending $15 million to repair and upgrade our local roads,” he said.
“It’s going to make a huge difference to road safety in that area."
“This will upgrade the worst sections of the Hamilton-Chatsworth Road, Chatsworth-Bolac Road and the Woorndoo-Chatsworth Road."
“It’s a massive outcome for council and we thank the Australian Government for providing this funding.”
Cr Smith said the condition of roads had been the number one issue for our communities.
“Council has made a big effort in its budget to improve road conditions, but we have also been strongly advocating for funding from governments to allow us to do even more work."
“This is a fantastic outcome particularly for the communities of Woorndoo and Chatsworth who deserve high quality roads to go about their daily business.”
In addition to the existing announcement, Mr Tehan also vowed to commit additional road funding if the Coalition Government is re-elected.
The promise included $3.6 million for road upgrades in Moyne Shire, which with investments from Moyne Shire Council would represent $6 million to improve local roads.
The funding would be used for upgrades to Grassmere Road, Cooramook Road and Idens Bridge over the Merri River, Grassmere.
Mr Tehan also vowed a $3.2 million road investment in Corangamite Shire.
Together with co-investment from the council, this represents nearly $4 million of additional investment to upgrade Noogee Road in Terang, Roycrofts Road in Boorcan and Darlington-Terang Road in Glenormiston North.
Corangamite Mayor Ruth Gstrein welcomed the Federal Government pledge after council had been advocating for funding to improve the roads in question, which were high priorities for the community.
“Roads are always a major issue for the safety of our residents and visitors to our region, as well as the ability of our farmers and freight companies to do business,” she said.
“This funding will allow us to deliver some really significant projects that we would not have been able to complete otherwise."
“Ahead of the Federal election later this month council calls on all Wannon candidates to match the commitment to ensure these projects are delivered.”