A large cash pool to bring state-administered roads up-to-scratch is high on the priority list of all south-west mayors, who claim the Western District’s arterial network is below par compared to other regions. 

Shire leaders say Premier Denis Napthine’s dual role as one of the region’s parliamentary representatives should lead to a renewed focus on improving south-west infrastructure during the state election campaign.

Warrnambool mayor Michael Neoh said the Premier had expressed “encouraging signs” of support for Warrnambool Base Hospital’s stage two redevelopment during a meeting earlier this year.

He said the city council’s prospectus outlining priority initiatives showed the state government and opposition what was needed to improve the region.

“Stage two of South West Healthcare redevelopment (Warrnambool Base Hospital) is a priority in that it is needed not just for the city but for the wider region,” Cr Neoh said.

“Hopefully we can see some progress on adding two extra passenger (rail) services between Warrnambool and Geelong, which would take pressure off the road network and address growing demand.”

Moyne Shire mayor James Purcell said it was unlikely the state budget will contain any big ticket items for the south-west with Spring Street coffers largely closed until the election campaign.

He said a new Peterborough Community Centre and upgrades for halls in Yambuk, Panmure and Hawkesdale  were high on the Moyne priority list. 

“2014 is a key time for the south-west because there’ll be a high degree of attention in an election year,” Cr Purcell said.

“My feeling is that the state budget will be pretty run-of-the-mill and we will see what the government and opposition have to offer in the months leading up to the November election.

“All councils (in the south-west) are united in that we need more funding for state roads — not gold-plated roads, just roads that are up to the same level as the rest of the state.”

Corangamite Shire mayor Chris O’Connor said the state government’s $1.2 million contribution to Foxhow Road was welcome but more work was needed to widen the arterial link between Camperdown and Lismore.

He also listed a new Terang kindergarten and the Twelve Apostles Trail as priority projects.

“Definitely since Denis Napthine took on the premiership there’s been a change in attitude in government when it comes to roads,” Mr O’Connor said.

“We’ve seen some progress when it comes to road funding especially but more needs to be done in that area. 

“State-run roads on the whole are pretty poor and it’s not just the councils that are saying this. By VicRoads’ own estimation our region’s roads are the worst in the state.”

Glenelg Shire mayor John Northcott concurred with calls for road funding, especially with increased pressure from heavy-duty vehicles in the Heywood region. He listed Casterton airstrip, the Portland foreshore skatepark and Bridgewater Bay car park as areas of particular need.

“It helps to have the Premier as the local member and he’s started to look at the roads, which is a plus,” Cr Northcott said. 

“There’s been some progress when it comes to the Princes Highway but we really need more funds to bring the VicRoads highways up to a reasonable level because at the moment they’re pretty poor.”