Latrobe City is part way through a multi-million dollar works program that will help save lives on local roads.
The municipality will receive around $2.5 million this financial year through the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program to fund the works.
Local MP Darren Chester said Latrobe City Council had already undertaken safety improvements worth more than $2 million.
“Six projects throughout the Latrobe Valley are now complete,” Mr Chester said.
“Providing this money means Latrobe City Council can keep local roads maintained over time and ensure they are useable for its residents.”
Mr Chester said road safety throughout the region was a high priority.
“It’s a sad fact that a disproportionate number of people are killed on regional roads and for many years I have campaigned for projects that improve road safety across Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“It is important that we continue to support local councils to complete priority works to local roads to improve the useability and surface condition.”
Recently completed projects:
- Upgrades to road surface, footpath and drainage along Heather Grove, Traralgon ($555,738)
- Improvements to the footpath and condition of the road along Well Street, Morwell ($250,000)
- Renewal of kerb and channel, road pavement, surface and drainage at Lafayette Street, Traralgon ($500,085)
- Reconstruction on East Street between School Avenue and Low Road, Yallourn North ($500,079)
- Reconstruction and rehabilitation on Buna Street between Vary Street and Gona Street, Morwell ($99,000)
- Renewal of kerb and channel and installation of new drainage along Gona Street, Morwell ($95,225)
The focus of the works program has now shifted to other areas in the municipality, including Flynn, Yallourn North, Morwell and Traralgon.
In Flynn, improvements will be made to Flynn Creek Road. East Street between Low Road and North Road in Yallourn North will have its pavement, road surface and drainage upgraded. Stage 3 of work along Vincent Road in Morwell will commence and Traralgon’s Gilmour Street will be upgraded to improve its condition.
Mr Chester said the Federal Government was making a welcome investment in local infrastructure and Gippsland’s economy.
“More projects will be completed in the new year, which supports local jobs and gives an economic boost as we recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Chester said.
Assistant Minister for the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said the Federal Government had committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019-20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019-20 Budget.
“From 2013-14 to 2023-24, the government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Mr Hogan said.
“We are investing in infrastructure nationwide in order to lay the foundations for economic recovery on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Assisting local councils to maintain and improve roads under their jurisdiction is a big part of that, which is why we have also funded a new $1.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and brought forward $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.”
