Motorist lobby group RACV has called for the state government to commit to funds for road projects throughout regional Victoria including work along the heavy volume Port Fairy-Warrnambool route, Yambuk to Codrington and the problematic Heathmere to Heywood stretch.

Improved regional rail links have also been advocated in the RACV’s Directions 2015 report which will be used as a lobbying tool in the lead-up to next month’s state budget. RACV transport expert Thanuja Gunatillake said the regional highway network had a number of areas of concern where risk of collisions were higher.

She said the organisation was keen to see the federal and state governments follow through with the duplication of the Princes Highway between Colac and Winchelsea, a section that has already been re-designated as a national motorway. The dual carriageway between Winchelsea and Waurn Ponds is partially open with work continuing in Winchelsea.

“In this report, the RACV highlights the need for significant investment in the regional highway network, including south-west Victoria,” Ms Gunatillake said.

The motoring group has identified the Rosebrook-Illowa section of the Princes Highway as sub-standard along with the stretch between Codrington and Yambuk as well as through the Stony Rises near Pirron Yallock and around the Bolwarra-Allestree district.

A stretch of the Princes Highway between Heywood and Heathmere has been singled out by the RACV for urgent repair. Former premier Denis Napthine pledged prior to the state election to spend $640,000 to upgrade two sections of highway near Greenwald and Bolwarra if the Coalition was re-elected. Labor did not outline any road projects in its south-west election campaign.