Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is set to table a petition in parliament calling for the fast tracking of the Traralgon bypass and has urged Gippslanders to add their names to the campaign.
Mr Chester said the petition was available for signing at his offices in Sale and Traralgon along with state MPs Tim Bull, Danny O’Brien, Melina Bath and Martin Cameron and some local businesses including the Traralgon RSL and Traralgon Bowls Club.
“The petition is an important opportunity for the community to demonstrate its support for the long-awaited infrastructure project, which would significantly improve safety, productivity and liveability in the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.
“The Traralgon bypass has been talked about for decades, and it’s time for all levels of government to work together to get this vital project moving with a final design and business case.
“With 15 intersections involving roundabouts and traffic lights, it can take 15 to 20 minutes and even longer during peak periods and holiday seasons for motorists to travel through Traralgon. This congestion creates delays, increases safety risks and places unnecessary pressure on local roads.”
Mr Chester emphasised that the bypass would also deliver significant fuel-efficiency and productivity benefits for the freight sector.
“Heavy vehicles consume significantly more diesel when they are forced to stop and start repeatedly due to traffic lights and congestion,” he said.
“Allowing trucks to travel continuously on a bypass would reduce fuel consumption, lower transport costs, and improve the efficiency of our national freight network.
“Infrastructure that improves freight productivity is essential for supporting our regional economies and safeguarding our supply chains.”
The proposed bypass would remove heavy vehicles and through traffic from Traralgon’s town centre, improving road safety, reducing congestion and enhancing the amenity of the region’s largest town.
Mr Chester said the project would also boost the visitor economy and create jobs during the construction phase.
“Now that the full duplication of the Princes Highway to Sale has been completed, the highest road transport infrastructure priority for our region is the Traralgon bypass,” he said.
Mr Chester added that the bypass could also deliver benefits in terms of disaster resilience.
“A study by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority identified that the proposed bypass corridor could incorporate a retarding basin to help mitigate flooding from Traralgon Creek, providing an additional layer of protection for the community,” he said.
The Federal Coalition previously committed $5 million to progress the design work for the bypass, but Mr Chester said the Albanese Government has yet to match this funding.
“This petition calls on the House of Representatives to work with the Victorian Government to prioritise funding to finalise the design, approvals and costings, to deliver the Traralgon bypass,” he said.
Mr Chester encouraged residents, businesses and freight operators to sign the petition and help build momentum for the project.
“This is a chance for Gippslanders to make their voices heard and demonstrate the strong community support for this critical piece of infrastructure,” he said.
