Three major road safety upgrades and improvements will be rolled out in Wannon, thanks to a $23.575 million funding boost from the Australian and Victorian governments.
The funding will support three road safety projects that will help get locals, visitors, and freight to their destination sooner and safer and include:
• Great Ocean Road & Inland Routes
o Colac-Lavers Hill Road (Nightingale Road to Maxwell Road, Kawarren)
o Cobden-Port Campbell Road (1.5 km North to Dingleys Road)
o Timboon Nullawarre Road
o Princetown Road, Simpson
• Great Ocean Road - Moonlight Head, Wattle Hill (Wards track to Gellibrand River)
• Portland-Nelson Road, Mount Richmond
These projects will create 37 jobs and create new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive the region’s economic recovery.
Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said the funding was a big win for locals.
“A total of $15.64 million in Federal funding for the two projects is being invested in Wannon to fund road new safety upgrades and improvements to help reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries occurring on our roads,” Mr Tehan said.
“Currently around 1,200 people die and 40,000 are seriously injured on our roads each year, which is why our Government is taking strong action by delivering record investment in road safety across the nation.
“These improvements will start rolling out in coming weeks and are expected to be completed by mid-2022, meaning the community will quickly start reaping the benefits.”
A further funding allocation has been provided under the Regional Shoulder Sealing Package and the Regional Intersection Package including:
• Colac Ballarat Road, Enfield-Rokewood. This project will see the construction and sealing 1.2-1.5m wide shoulders along high-risk sections of the road including audio-tactile line-marking and safety barriers.
• Princes Hwy and Jubilee Park Rd, Allansford with the installation of Vehicle Activated Warning Sign, left-In deceleration lane for vehicles turning into Jubilee Park Road, and other safety improvements.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the road upgrades would help keep motorists safe and the economy strong.
“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.
“Better road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation’s productivity.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the new projects are expected to be delivered later this year.
“Fast-tracking road safety upgrades means that commuters, truck drivers and freight operators will be enjoying smoother, safer more efficient journeys into the future,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.”
The Government has already invested $1.5 billion under the Road Safety Program in more than 1,050 road safety projects across Australia, most of which are complete and benefiting communities.
For more information on the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program and other road safety initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au/programs/infrastructure-programs.
