Cash bonus for country roads

By Esther Lauaki

Melton and Moorabool councils can apply for a share in more than $70 million for safer and more reliable roads.

Applications are open for the second round of state funding of up to
$1.5 million for rural councils to carry out road rehabilitation and resealing works, road safety improvements, bridge strengthening and other upgrades.

The Melton west community has recently ramped up campaigning for a diamond interchange at Bulmans Road while a Ballan resident last week petitioned Moorabool council to fix up Hogan Road.

Roads Minister Jaala Pulford said the funding boost builds on the biggest road maintenance blitz regional Victoria has ever seen.

“We’re investing $333 million this year to repair, rebuild and resurface more than 1500 kilometres of country arterial roads,” Ms Pulford said.

“We’re getting on with the biggest road maintenance blitz ever, fixing the roads that communities across western Victoria rely on.

“Round two is now open, as we continue to deliver a safer, more reliable road network for every Victorian.”

Applications for round two close March 18 with successful projects to be announced in April. Councils must deliver these projects by June next year.

Details: www.regionalroads.vic.gov.au