Investing in regional road upgrades in Victoria

The Albanese Government is supporting regional Victorian councils with critical road upgrades through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).  

$13.7 million will help fund five new projects which will mean safer and more resilient roads for communities across the state. 

The Swan Hill Council will receive almost $5 million for the Karinie Street Reconstruction Project. This project will include drainage improvements, kerb and channel replacement, an all-abilities shared-path, road line-marking and improved lighting.

In Leongatha South, the South Gippsland Shire Council will receive $2.4 million to relocate the Simons Lane intersection with the Bass Highway to a safer new location. The relocated intersection will incorporate dedicated turn lanes, road pavement improvements and lighting.

Other projects receiving funding include: 

  • $878,080 for Yarriambiack Shire Council to widen the Banyena Pimpinio Road in Murtoa.  
  • $5 million for Greater Shepparton City Council to upgrade the Goulburn Valley Highway (Numurkah Road) and Hawkins Street intersection in Shepparton.
  • $490,000 for Yarriambiack Shire Council to widen Glenorchy Road in Rupanyup.

Through the upcoming Budget the Albanese Government is also providing additional funding to ensure the delivery of two important projects on the Princes Highway: 

  • an additional $2.6 million to support the delivery of the Princes Highway East – Lakes Entrance East – Princes Highway Safety Upgrades project.
  • an additional $2 million to support the delivery of the Princes Highway Intersection Upgrades – Pakenham to Beaconsfield. 

This new funding adds to the Australian Government’s existing $316.3 million investment in Victoria’s Princes Highway, which is a key route that connects people and freight throughout Victoria’s regions. 

The SLRIP was created by the Albanese Labor Government to ease the administrative burden on local councils as well as state and territory governments. 

With $200 million available each year, the Program is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthen investment and support the delivery of safer and more productive roads across Australia. 

For more information about the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, visit: Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“We know that that local governments in the regions often require more funding to manage rising costs and increased pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather events.

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.

“We’ve increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, as well as the Roads to Recovery Program and the Black Spot Funding Program to strengthen investment in safer and more productive local roads. 

“Whether it’s local roads or major freight and passenger routes like the Princes Highway, we are investing in regional Victoria’s roads right across the state.”