The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has welcomed a series of road infrastructure spending announcements from the Victorian Government that will improve roads on key freight routes in the state’s southwest.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan confirmed reconstruction works would soon begin on Stage Two of the Portland Ring Road and roads in the Green Triangle, and a deteriorated section of the Princes Highway at Heywood would be rebuilt.
This followed a recent announcement that roads surrounding the Henty Employment Precinct would be upgraded to accommodate high-productivity freight vehicles.
The Victorian Government’s $17 million investment on the three improvements is expected to create vastly improved productivity outcomes for the transport industry, as well as stimulate the local economy.
“Roads in the state’s southwest have been neglected for too long, so we welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to make these important upgrades, which will improve productivity for freight operators working in the area,” said Peter Anderson, CEO of the VTA.
“The VTA has lobbied for some time now for many infrastructure improvements and it’s encouraging that Minister Donnellan has listened and acted on the concerns of the industry,” he added.
“Regional Victoria makes an important contribution to the state and national economy, and investing in better and more efficient road networks will ultimately pay dividends throughout the economy and the supply chain.”
The Portland area represents an important growth opportunity for the southwest due to its deep-water port servicing the Green Triangle.
“We are fortunate to have a deep-water port half way between Adelaide and Melbourne and the infrastructure improvements announced by the government will certainly make that port more appealing and accessible for transport operators,” said Mr. Anderson.