Geelong road projects share in fast-tracked funding

FIVE road projects in the Geelong region will share in $16 million as part of a fast-tracked infrastructure program.

On Monday, the Victorian and federal governments announced they would jointly invest an extra $525 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

Regional Victoria will benefit from $71.5 million under the Targeted Road Safety Works Program, which will boost safety, efficiency and reliability along the regional road network.

The local projects to be fast-tracked and their total costs are:

• Midland Highway/Clyde Road safety improvements ($5.2 million)
• Thompson Road, North Geelong road upgrades ($4.6 million)
• Corio-Waurn Ponds Road, Geelong, Separation Street Bridge improvements ($4.2 million)
• Surf Coast Highway, Reserve Road/Felix Street, Grovedale intersection improvements ($2.1 million), and
• Geelong-Portarlington Road, Wilsons Road, Newcomb intersection improvements ($2.5 million).

Under the Regional Rail Revival program, Victoria will receive an extra $178.2 million (for a total of $307.3 million).

The City of Greater Geelong council has welcomed the extra funding for the road works.

“The state and federal governments’ funding of these vital road safety upgrades supports construction jobs in our region at a very challenging time,” acting mayor Kylie Grzybek said.

“Many people are hurting financially and all levels of government are doing what we can to support our communities with funding that will stimulate economic activity.

“The council has taken a similar approach with its 2020-21 budget, allocating $160 million for capital projects such as new sporting facilities and community buildings.

“Importantly, the upgrades will also increase safety for Greater Geelong road users, hopefully leading to fewer accidents.”

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in regional Victoria.

“Every single job that we support makes a huge difference in our local communities – now and as we navigate out of the pandemic.

“These types of infrastructure projects will be also particularly crucial for helping us bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis has ended by ensuring we have the safe transport connections needed for all Australians to keep moving.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the road and rail projects would better connect Victorians and provide a boost for major regional centres.

“This partnership with the Commonwealth will build projects regional communities need and help keep our construction industry strong – which is more important than ever right now as we rebuild from the pandemic.”