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■ Nicholls MHR Sam Birrell says it is disappointing the Federal Government continued to underspend on Victorian roads after $5.5 million in funds allocated for the program went unspent. “$25.6 million in grants were announced yet $31.1 million in funding was allocated for Victoria as part of the program for the 2023-24 year,” Mr Birrell said. “We need more money spent on our roads, not less. “There’s a number of roads across our region that require upgrades to increase safety for road users. “Our region has been at the centre of a number of devastating road trauma incidents in recent months and each incident will impact local communities for decades,” he said. The Blackspot Program was established by the Coalition Government and more than 3000 projects were funded as part of the program between 2013 and 2022. Mr Birrell said he was concerned about the future of the program as it remains under a cloud as part of the Labor Government’s 90-Day Infrastructure review. “This program aims to reduce road trauma which continues to claim the lives of regional road users,” Mr Birrell said.
● Sam Birrell, Nicholls MHR “Thousands of people in Nicholls spend countless hours in their car every week and this funding must continue to improve the safety of motorists,” Mr Birrell he said
MELBA HWY WORST IN VIC.
● Melba Hwy is in the worst condition of any major road in Victoria. See P9.
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Invest in roads, says Strathbogie
■ Strathnogie Councillors were due to this week vote on a recommendation to endorse calls for the Victorian Government to invest in critical road and bridge projects in small rural and regional shires. A motion is being submitted to the Municipal Association of Victora for consideration at the MAV State Council Meeting scheduled for October 13. Strathbogie Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the Council was advocating for the State Government to invest in roads and bridges. “While I understand and support the value of sporting facilities, rural and regional communities need safe roads to get them there,” Cr Binks said. “Across our shire we have about 2500km of roads that have been significantly damaged by the effect of ongoing wet weather and the October 2022 floods. “We estimate the damage bill could be as high as $50 million – something that is well outside our ability to fund,” Cr Binks said.
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