There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, says Glenelg mayor Max Oberlander.
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Glenelg Shire Council staged a meeting with the state government last week so executives could hear the region’s funding case first-hand.
“We need more funds,” Cr Oberlander said. “It’s as simple as that.”
A report, produced with research provided by Green Triangle municipalities, the timber industry and VicRoads, states funding of at least $180 million is required over the next 10 years to repair key freight routes leading to the Port of Portland.
The funds are required to sustain booming export activity and ensure the region remains competitive in global markets and protect local jobs and tourism.
The report is backed by a campaign video, illustrating the broken freight network across the Glenelg Shire, which has reached more than 80,000 people on social media.
The campaign has also been supported by Victoria’s peak motoring body, the RACV.
Glenelg Shire chief executive Greg Burgoyne said the roads advocacy campaign had been successful in attracting $40 million in federal funding, however was dependent on a co-contribution from the state government.
Mr Burgoyne met with senior advisors to state Roads Minister Luke Donnellan where high praise was received for the Green Triangle Freight Action Plan, an industry-led report illustrating the critical need for increased road investment.
He said council remained optimistic that state government funding would be committed.
“Our council is pleased with the level of response received by the Victorian government to date.”