Princes Highway Warrnambool to Port Fairy work to start early next year but no extra funds in state budget

But some have expressed disappointment there was no further funding for the stretch of highway in the wake of this week's state budget.

A federal Department of Infrastructure spokesman said the Victorian government had "identified priority projects" that would "improve safety, efficiency and productivity" on the highway between Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

"Construction work for projects identified in tranche one is expected to begin in early 2021," he said.

But the state government, which will deliver the work, is yet to reveal exactly what those projects are. Federal Wannon MP Dan Tehan has said they will involve bridge renewal works.

The federal government announced $60 million for the upgrades to the stretch of road 18 months ago, but calls for further state investment appear to have gone unanswered.

Lobbyist Stephen Lucas, from the Princes Highway Action Alliance, said he was disappointed there wasn't any additional highway funds in the state budget.

"I was hopeful but I am aware there are serious pressures on the budget," Mr Lucas said.

He said he was waiting for the state government to inform the highway group what works were scheduled to commence.

Liberal South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said the 18-month wait for clarity on what the money would be used for was "not acceptable" especially when the state was taking on a more than $150 billion net debt in 2023-24.

"If they are going to take on that much debt, this is a missed opportunity where the money needs to be spent," she said.

"The reasonable time frame has well and truly passed. The government has an opportunity and they are basically ignoring south-west Victoria's road needs."

Regional Roads Victoria did not respond before deadline.

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