Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed $3.412 million in funding through the Australian Government's Black Spot Program to deliver critical road safety upgrades across the region.
The Black Spot Program targets locations where serious crashes have occurred - or are at risk of occurring - by funding evidence-based improvements to reduce accidents and save lives.
In Mitchell Shire, five locations will receive vital upgrades under the program:
- Anglesey Street, Seymour (between Loco Street and Jordan Street) - Installation of two raised priority crossings and two raised safety platforms to calm traffic and improve pedestrian safety.
- Kilmore East Road, Kilmore (west of Ogrady's Road) - Safety barriers, wide painted centreline, and upgrades to signage, line marking to prevent run-off-road and head-on crashes.
- Broadford-Wandong Road, Broadford (between Goodenia Court and Saunders Road) - Improved street lighting, guideposts and reflective pavement markers, with a potential speed limit reduction to 80 km/h.
- Lancefield-Pyalong Road, High Camp (near Mt William Road) - Installation of safety barriers, curve widening, and a wide centreline to reduce run-off-road and head-on crash risk.
- Windham Street and Queen Street, Wallan - Construction of a roundabout with a semi-mountable island, a raised priority crossing on the southern leg, and two raised safety platforms on the northern and eastern legs to improve intersection safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said the funding will allow Council to deliver upgrades that would be challenging to fund through Council's budget alone.
"We're extremely grateful for this funding from the Federal Government as it is vital for Council to maintain and improve our road network," he said.
"Our roads are used by residents, visitors, and local businesses every day. These upgrades will make a real difference in reducing risk and helping our community get where they need to go safely.
"Local roads - particularly in rural and regional areas - need targeted investment to keep our communities safe.
"These projects are just one example of how different levels of government can work together to deliver practical, life-saving improvements.
"This outcome is also a great example of the work done by Council's road safety assessors. They have analysed the data, applied risk management practices and prepared submissions that have received funding for projects that will make a real difference."
