The Australian Government has today announced 12 projects totalling over $40 million to upgrade the Princes Highway East in Gippsland.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the projects would deliver bridge and intersection upgrades, street signals and other improvement works to ensure those using the highway have a safer, smoother journey.
“Ensuring the safety of motorists is an absolute priority of our Government, which is why I am pleased to announce these 12 projects to significantly improve this stretch of the busy Princes Highway,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has fought hard on behalf of his community for these critical projects, working with the East Gippsland Shire and Wellington Shire councils to make them a reality for motorists.
“After bushfires, floods and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, our Government understands that now is the time to keep on pushing for communities, to get funding flowing and shovels in the ground to improve road safety in the Gippsland region.
“That’s exactly what we are doing, with our $110 billion infrastructure plan creating jobs, supporting businesses and securing the future of our cities and regions through road and rail projects that make a huge difference to the lives of Australians.”
Mr Chester said the announcement was welcome news for the Gippsland region approaching the festive season, with the projects set to provide a boost to a community that has faced bushfires, floods and now COVID-19.
“There is no denying it has been a trying year and I applaud the community for continuing to support what’s great about Gippsland and keep our economy running,” Mr Chester said.
“By continuing to announce projects like this, we are saying to all of Gippsland that our Government is here with you, through thick and thin, supporting the jobs and infrastructure our community needs to thrive now and into the future.
“These are the sort of projects that make a real difference to the day to day commutes of locals, delivering a safer and better journey that gives people greater peace of mind that their loved ones will make it home at the end of each trip.
The projects form part of the $75 million commitment to the Princes Highway East – Rosedale to NSW Border section, which is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $60 million.
This forms part of the jointly funded $375 million investment to the Princes Highway in Victoria.
Projects under Princes Highway East – Rosedale to New South Wales Border (Tranche 1):
| Project | Total Project Cost ($ million) |
| Princes Highway East – Bullock Island Bridge and Associated Works | 6.0 |
| Princes Highway East – Lakes Entrance (Club Spit) Improvement Works | 1.2 |
| Princes Highway East – Marine Parade Improvement Works, Lakes Entrance | 1.44 |
| Princes Highway East – Newmerella Rest Area Improvements | 0.36 |
| Princes Highway East – Bailey Street Improvement Works, Bairnsdale | 0.96 |
| Princes Highway East – Cann River Improvement Works | 0.84 |
| Princes Highway East – Cunninghame Street Signalisation | 1.58 |
| Princes Highway East – Princes Highway Improvements Package | 11.53 |
| Princes Highway East – Lakes Entrance East – Princes Highway Safety Upgrades | 4.0 |
| Princes Highway East – Lakes Entrance West – Princes Highway Safety Improvements | 2.4 |
| Princes Highway East – Nowa Nowa Safety Upgrades | 0.64 |
| Princes Highway East – Princes Highway and McEacharn Street Intersection Upgrade, Bairnsdale | 9.74 |
| Total | 40.7 |
