South-west roads will get $80 million in upgrades as part of a joint state and federal government infrastructure funding deal.
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The arrangement includes $40 million to upgrade the Henty Highway between Hamilton and Portland and $40 million for the Princes Highway between Colac and the South Australian border.
A spokesman from Roads Minister Luke Donnellan’s office confirmed the state government would match federal government funds put on the table, but said details of the agreement were still being finalised.
Mr Donnellan said he welcomed the federal government’s announcement about its half of the funding.
“We've said all along that this money belongs to Victorians – and it's pleasing that Malcolm Turnbull finally recognises this,” he said.
Wannon MP Dan Tehan put forward the federal government’s funding offers on the projects during his election campaign.
“This is wonderful news for our local road users. It’s a pity it’s taken so long,” Mr Tehan said.
“It’s absolutely vital we get to work immediately and absolutely vital this is just a start because we need more.”
The funds form part of a $690 million rural and regional roads package, which itself is part of $3 billion in infrastructure investment – with the state and federal governments contributing half each.
Glenelg Shire, which recently ramped up its campaign to secure funding for its deteriorating roads, responded with positivity.
The shire’s chief executive officer Greg Burgoyne described the funding as a “game changer”.
“Our advocacy has paid off,” he said. “This represents a substantial investment in our broken road network.”
Corangamite Shire mayor Jo Beard described the funding as the “tip of the iceberg” and said she hoped it would lead to more investment in south-west roads.
“We certainly hold hope that this is the beginning because our road users deserve better than this,” she said.
Great South Coast Group chairman Colin Ryan said the funding was a start, but it fell short when $200 million was needed just to bring the region’s roads up to the state standard.
South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said the funding was not before time and it showed the community’s advocacy on the issue had worked.
The Great Ocean Road will also receive a $50 million upgrade and there will be $10 million safety upgrades on the Hamilton Highway between Geelong and Cressy.
