Community information sessions will be held in East Gippsland next week ahead of major upgrades to tourism routes across the region.
VicRoads is conducting information sessions on Wednesday (August 23) to discuss priority works proposed for the Princes Highway east of Sale, Great Alpine Road and Monaro Highway.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the upgrades were being jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments as part of $130 million being spent across the region.
Mr Chester, who’s also the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, said some construction works would commence later this year, with the full program of works scheduled for completion June 2020.
“Importantly, this $130 million under the Rural and Regional Roads package will be spent upgrading the roads, not on routine maintenance,” Mr Chester said.
“The works will improve road safety and make the region more attractive for tourism and new industries.”
Mr Chester said VicRoads information sessions will be held at:
• Bairnsdale: Wednesday, August 23, 9.30am to 10.30am, at the Community Kiosk (Nicholson Street)
• Lakes Entrance: Wednesday, August 23, 11.30am to 1pm at the Coast Guard Centre (420 Esplanade)
• Twin Rivers: Wednesday, August 23, 4.30pm to 6pm at the Johnsonville Hall, (Princes Highway)
• Cann River: Wednesday, August 23, 4pm to 6pm at the Cann River Community Centre (Princes Highway)
The Rural and Regional Roads package is providing funds for the Princes Highway east of Sale to the New South Wales border, and will include significant upgrades along the Esplanade at Lakes Entrance.
The Monaro Highway works include a roundabout in Cann River near the United petrol station and a truck rest area.
The Great Alpine Road works will stretch from Bruthen to just east of Mount Hotham.
Mr Chester said the VicRoads community meetings would provide Gippslanders with the chance to help priority community expectations.
Local residents can email VicRoads at gippslandprojects@roads.vic.gov.au for more information or have their say on priority areas to be included in the schedule of works.
