$10m boost targets region’s high-risk roads

A string of known crash hotspots across the region will be targeted under a $10 million road safety funding package.

The funding represents close to a quarter of the federal government’s $48 million Black Spot allocation for 2026–27, with projects spanning town centres, school crossings and key intersections across the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong.

Major works include $1.7 million for safety upgrades in the Anglesea and Torquay town centres, $1.35 million for school crossing improvements in Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale, and $2.8 million for new roundabouts in Geelong and Marshall.

Federal Wannon MP Dan Tehan said local advocacy had played a key role in securing the funding.

“Road crashes place major emotional and economic strain on communities, particularly on the families and friends of those involved,” Tehan said.

“In recent years, several lives have been lost on local roads across our region, some due to poor road conditions. That is simply unacceptable, and it’s why this investment is so important.”

In his electorate, Anglesea’s town centre will receive a significant pedestrian safety upgrade, including raised priority crossings, raised intersections, safety platforms and an area-wide speed limit reduction to 40km/h.

The changes aim to better manage risk in a location that attracts more than two million visitors each year, with similar treatments planned for Torquay.

Both towns sit within the Surf Coast Shire, where six pedestrians were involved in crashes in the most recent reporting period, according to the Department of Transport and Planning.

 

Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said the projects would make it safer for people to move through their local communities.

“We want to make it easier and safer for people to move around their local area, supporting healthy, liveable towns,” she said.

“Every one of these projects is about making our roads safer for the people who use them every day, whether you’re walking through our town centres or travelling on rural roads.”

Raised priority crossings will also improve safety around schools in Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove, with additional lighting and line marking upgrades planned at the Shell Road roundabouts.

In Geelong, a roundabout, raised crossings and improved lighting will be installed at the intersection of Eastern Beach Road, Hearne Parade and Garden Street.

Funding allocations are determined by the Victoria Black Spot Consultative Panel, chaired by federal Corangamite MP Libby Coker.

“These projects have been recommended by those who know our local roads best: members of the public, local councils and road user groups,” Coker said.

“These important works will make our roads safer for all road users.”