The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government will provide more than $32 million for Princes Highway safety and infrastructure upgrades as part of a package of works stretching from Sale to Genoa, including an improvement to Bairnsdale’s McEachern Street.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, and local MP, Darren Chester, made the announcement after consultation with local community leaders last Friday.

Key projects include $9.7 million to upgrade a major intersection at McEachern Street in Bairnsdale and $6.2 million for bridge strengthening as part of the East Sale Alternative Truck Route work.

Mr McCormack said these important projects would increase safety and boost the local economy.

“The Gippsland economy has taken a real hit this year with the crippling drought, devastating bushfires and now the coronavirus,” Mr McCormack said.

“As a Government, we want to support local jobs and stimulate the economy with an infrastructure investment program stretching right across Australia.

“These projects in Gippsland will build on the work we have already funded on the Princes Highway East which are delivering both safer roads and better access for all motorists in the region.”

Mr Chester has welcomed the funding which he says will help deliver his plan to boost tourism numbers in the future.

“We need to activate the Princes Highway as more than just a transport corridor,” Mr Chester said.

“Our government has already contributed to the construction of six new overtaking lanes between Lakes Entrance and the New South Wales border and record $260 million funding for the duplication between Traralgon and Sale, which makes it easier to reach East Gippsland.

“Now we have to give visitors a reason to stop, stay and appreciate everything our region has to offer.

“With this funding, we will be able to improve safety and deliver infrastructure in Sale, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance which makes our region more attractive for locals and visitors alike.”

The Federal Government has committed $17 million in funding and will seek to secure contributions from Wellington and East Gippsland shire councils and other sources to ensure the project benefits are realised on the ground:

Those projects include:

• $8 million for Wellington Shire’s ‘Revitalising Our Region’ package of works;
• $5 million for Bullock Island bridge replacement and associated works; and
• $4 million for Princes Highway rest area redevelopment at Lakes Entrance slipway, Newmerella, Cann River and Genoa.

East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr John White, has also welcomed the funding and said council was looking forward to working with the Federal Government to finalise the scope of works across the municipality.

“This is a huge boost to our council’s plans to improve Princes Highway related infrastructure across our shire,” Cr White said.

“We have plans well advanced for Bullock Island along with the rest areas which will encourage recreational vehicles and highway travellers to take a break in East Gippsland.

“We will be aiming to start work as soon as possible to deliver improved facilities for locals and visitors.”

IMAGE: State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, and Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, standing at Bairnsdale’s McEachern Street intersection which will receive a $9.7 million Federal Government upgrade. (PS)