Works to improve safety on Mallacoota-Genoa Road are well underway but there’s much more to be done, according to local MP Darren Chester.
Mr Chester drove the improved section this week and then met with local residents to discuss future upgrade opportunities.
“Mallacoota-Genoa Road has been neglected by the State Government for more than 20 years and is potentially dangerous in several narrow sections which have a poor surface,” Mr Chester said.
“I secured $2.7 million for the first stage of works which is 80% funded by the Federal Government. It has already made an improvement with additional road shoulders and resurfacing making a huge difference.
“This work needs to continue and that’s why I was so excited to secure an additional $10 million in the Federal Budget to keep tackling some of the major safety improvements.”
Mr Chester convened a meeting with local community representatives as the first stage of considering how the Federal funding should be used to improve the road for locals and visitors.
“It was a very constructive and positive meeting and I will provide feedback on the outcomes directly to the Shire of East Gippsland and Regional Roads Victoria,” Mr Chested said.
“Community input in projects like this is vital to gain a proper understanding of work that can be done that will improve conditions for locals who use the road frequently and know the trouble spots better than visiting engineers.”
Mr Chester said locals raised concerns around the condition of the road surface, sight lines, shoulder sealing and pull off lanes for slow vehicles.
“This local knowledge of the roads and dangerous sections needs to help inform the final scale of work and improvements to make practical differences,” Mr Chester said.
“With one road in and out of Mallacoota it is essential the road corridor is made more resilient to withstand natural disasters like bushfires and wind storms.
“Pull over lanes will allow vehicles to safely overtake when necessary and improving sight lines means drivers can better prepare for the upcoming turns and drive to the conditions.
“This road has not received major upgrades for more decades and this latest funding will ensure the necessary works are undertaken to ensure the safety of all road users.”
