Council welcomes much-needed road safety funding

Published on 02 March 2022

Corangamite Shire Council has welcomed Government funding for four major road safety upgrades in the Shire.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan last week announced $19.55 million in Federal and State funding for safety upgrades on the Great Ocean Road and inland routes in Corangamite and Colac-Otway shires.

It includes $15.64 million from the Federal Road Safety Program.

Corangamite roads that will benefit are:

• Cobden-Port Campbell Road (1.5 km North to Dingleys Road – total 4.1 km)
  Installation of safety barriers and guard rail where appropriate, pavement improvements and sealing of side roads and driveways
• Timboon Nullawarre Road (800 m)
  Installation of retaining walls, safety barriers and guard rail and pavement improvements, where appropriate
• Princetown Road, Simpson (8 km)
  Installation of safety barriers and guard rail where appropriate, pavement improvements and sealing of side roads and driveways

• Great Ocean Rd – Moonlight Head, Wattle Hill (8 km in Corangamite and Colac-Otway)
  Motorcycle-focussed safety improvements including installation of signage, improved delineation, sealing gravel side roads and driveways and safety barriers with underrun protection

Mayor Ruth Gstrein thanked both Governments for the much-needed funding.

“Many of the arterial roads across Corangamite Shire are severely degraded and in desperate need of upgrading,” Cr Gstrein said.

“They currently pose safety risks for drivers and contribute to vehicle damage and negative financial impacts for transport businesses.

“Council was very pleased to learn of this investment in our region.

“It will have great benefits for the safety of our residents and visitors to our Shire.

“Better roads will also support the agricultural supply chain that is the bedrock of the local economy.”

On Friday Mr Tehan said the projects would create 31 jobs and opportunities for businesses and suppliers, helping drive the region’s economic recovery. Works will start in coming weeks and are expected to be finished by the middle of the year.