FUNDING FLOWS FOR SHEPPARTON BYPASS STAGE ONE
The Liberals and Nationals have committed $208 million to deliver Stage 1 of the Goulburn Valley Highway bypass of Shepparton in a vital boost to road safety in the Goulburn Valley.
Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals’ Leader Michael McCormack said the bypass will see the removal of freight and through traffic from Shepparton’s central business district and help get product to market sooner.
“No matter where you live, the Liberals and Nationals are investing to make sure you can get home sooner and safer, boosting productivity and creating jobs,” Mr McCormack said.
“Whether it’s making the Shepparton Bypass a reality or investing to help create jobs and opportunities in food processing in the Goulburn Valley, the Liberals and Nationals are passionate about creating vibrant regions with safer roads and local job opportunities.
“The bypass will also mean transport companies can get product to market sooner, improving the competitiveness of local businesses and helping to create even more jobs for locals.”
Stage 1 of the bypass involves a 10-kilometre single-lane road starting at the Midland Highway in Mooroopna.
Federal Member for Murray Damian Drum said the announcement has been a long time coming.
“I am thrilled with this announcement, as delivering on the Shepparton Bypass was my number one goal to during my first term in Parliament,” Mr Drum said.
“Safer roads are a top priority for many of the locals and small businesses I meet with regularly and I am excited to be part of the Government which is delivering the safer country roads our region needs and deserves.
“I am pleased my lobbying efforts have allowed such a significant project to progress.”
Peter Johnson, Chairman of the Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass Action Group, was pleased to hear this positive news for the project, which has significant support across the community.
“To have a financial commitment of this magnitude to the project is magnificent, and the best news we could have hoped for,” Mr Johnson said.
Funding for the project will come from the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.
Construction timeframes will be determined in consultation with the Victorian Government.
Ends.