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South-west roads were not overlooked in the 2017-2018 Victorian Budget, attracting a significant share of the $530.6 million allocated to regional roads.
The region was allocated a total of $113 million to upgrade and maintain roads, including $65.8 million for a south-western Victorian roads package, $37.2 million to seal local narrow roads and $10 million for the Henty Highway and the Green Triangle around Portland.
Glenelg Shire, which has lobbied the state government to repair deteriorating roads, welcomed the news.
Mayor Anita Rank said the funds would allow the community to “grow, prosper and succeed on every level”.
“In terms of our local economy, the investment will help to sustain the predicted growth in our timber harvest and other exports feeding to the Port of Portland, which currently services almost 10 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product,” she said.
Western Victoria MP James Purcell said the money was more than he expected the region would receive.
“It will go a long way to make a big difference to our road network,” he said.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said the government was upgrading regional roads because Victorians deserved roads they could rely on wherever they lived.
“These investments will improve safety, and make it easier and more efficient for producers and local businesses to get their goods to market,” he said.
South West Coast MP Roma Britnell praised the community’s efforts.
“This is good news for our electorate, and I will make sure that we get good outcomes and quality roads built for that money that we as a community have advocated very hard to make sure we got,” she said.
