‘ROSI’ ROADS AHEAD FOR SOUTH WEST VICTORIA

Motorists and heavy vehicles travelling through Victoria’s south-west are set to experience improved safety and efficiency thanks to $80 million in upgrades funded under the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said ROSI funding for the south west will better connect industry to markets and reduce congestion.

“Victoria’s south west region is made up of critical freight access between industrial regions and remote communities, both state capital cities and key ports including the Port of Portland,” Mr McCormack said.

“This funding will address pinch points and other impediments to freight movements in the region to improve travel times and reduce freight costs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

“These upgrades will ensure the large volume of high-productivity trucks travelling across the region have cost-effective access to industry and markets, promoting greater opportunities for business growth in the region.”

Four key arterial road corridors have been identified for upgrade. Including:

·         Princes Highway West – Colac to border

·         Henty Highway

·         Portland – Nelson Road

·         Portland – Casterton Road

Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the upgrades will also improve safety and access for the many regional and remote communities across the whole region.

“These upgrades will help ensure our local communities have more reliable access to essential services including healthcare and education,” Mr Tehan said.                                                                                                                                       

“These roads were not designed for the heavy and high performing freight vehicles and volumes that are currently using them.

“By providing better and safer road access, this investment will also promote more opportunities for tourism in this fantastic region of Victoria.                                                                                               

“This forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $3.5 billion nationwide investment over the next decade through ROSI, ensuring the nation's key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs.”

This commitment builds on the Government’s previous investments in this important region, including its $20 million of upgrades along the Henty Highway, Portland-Nelson Road and Portland-Casterton Road, currently underway and $20 million on the Princes Highway West, Colac to border.

More information on ROSI is available at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/key_projects/initiatives/roads_strategic_importance.aspx.  

Ends.