July 31, 2015
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has invited the Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss to visit the region and inspect progress on the $260 million Princes Highway duplication works between Traralgon and Sale.
Mr Truss, who is also the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, is the Minister responsible for providing the Federal Government’s share of the funding for the highway works which are ongoing between the two towns.
In his letter to the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Chester has highlighted the fact that current funding commitments would not finish the entire duplication project.
“Funding beyond 2016 for the final stages of the duplication has not been confirmed and I am receiving numerous enquiries from local residents and community organisations in relation to future commitments,” Mr Chester said.
“It is my understanding that in excess of $200 million in federal and state funding may be required to complete the duplication.
“While there has been considerable disruption to motorists during the construction phase, there is overwhelming community support for the work to continue. It would seem logical to schedule the future work in such a manner as to allow construction crews to bid for work and maintain their presence in the region beyond 2016.”
Mr Chester said the highway duplication would deliver enormous social and economic dividends for Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.
“From a business and industry perspective, reducing travel times will lead to greater productivity and more efficient movement of goods in our region,” Mr Chester said.
“In terms of road safety, we know that improving the quality of the road network results in less accidents, less injuries and less fatalities. Reducing road trauma has a direct benefit to the health budget and more importantly, it protects families from losing loved ones on our roads.
“Warren Truss is very familiar with the Princes Highway projects in our region because he has driven with me from Morwell to Cann River.
“I am very keen for the Minister to visit our region again to check on progress with the current duplication works and also consider future funding opportunities to finish the job.”
Pictured: Federal MP Darren Chester checking on progress with Princes Highway duplication works between Traralgon and Sale. Mr Chester has invited the Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss to visit the region and assess future bids for funding to finish the vital transport link.
