Our agriculture sector across the Pyrenees region will soon be transporting livestock and grain to market more efficiently and safely through the Andrews Labor Government’s Local Roads to Market program.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford today announced a $897,000 investment from the Labor Government’s second round of grants through the program.
The funds will be used to upgrade a section of the Raglan-Elmhurst Road and upgrade two local bridges on the Beaufort-Carngham Road and the Landsborough-Elmhurst Road in the Pyrenees shire.
The Raglan-Elmhurst Road is a 22-kilometre road linking the Pyrenees Highway to the Western Highway. It is an important north-south route through the region for viticulture, grain and livestock producers transporting freight to the arterial network, grain receival centres and transportation hubs.
Strengthening the load bearing capacity of Bridge 13 on the Beaufort-Carngham Road and Bridge 91 on the Landsborough-Elmhurst Road will improve access for heavy vehicles using these important freight routes to market.
The grant, along with co-investment from the Pyrenees Shire Council, brings the total investment in the three projects to $1.346 million.
The Pyrenees projects are three of 39 projects – together worth $24 million – the Labor Government is investing in this year to improve rural roads. The first round funded 29 projects worth $22.2 million across regional and rural Victoria in 2017.
As noted by Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
"Agriculture is one of the most important industries in the Pyrenees region and across Victoria – that’s why we’re getting on with delivering vital road and bridge upgrades."
"Our Local Roads to Market program is supporting communities that rely on farming – ensuring their top-quality produce is delivered to market safely, on time and in good condition."
"This investment will boost the productivity of farm businesses and their supply chains across Western Victoria, putting them in a better position to compete in international markets."
