The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victorian farmers have a smoother journey from their farm gate to market with investments to improve local roads.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale today announced the completion of the Grantville Glen Alvie Road Heavy Vehicle Access Improvement Project in the Bass Coast, which received a $350,000 grant through the Labor Government's $20 million AgriLinks Upgrade Program.
This project has widened and reconstructed the road so it can better cater for heavy vehicles that regularly use it to transport beef, wool and other farm produce. New barriers have also been installed on the road to boost safety.
The project is one of 51 local road, intersection and bridge infrastructure works supported through the AgriLinks Upgrades Program, which provided funding to 39 rural, regional and peri-urban councils across the state.
These important local road infrastructure upgrades are increasing productivity and reducing travel times, which is better connecting country roads to major transport routes. It will provide direct benefits to producers, processors and other agri-food supply chain businesses.
The program complements funding provided through the previous Local Roads to Market Program, which supported 63 local projects along Victoria's rural and regional agricultural freight routes, delivering productivity and safety improvements for farmers and businesses.
The AgriLinks Upgrade Program is part of the Government's $2.7 billion Building Works package that has helped getting thousands of Victorians back to work on crucial infrastructure projects around Victoria.
Over the coming year, the Labor Government's road maintenance blitz will also step up with $780 million invested across Victoria, including record asset expenditure of $187 million on road rehabilitation, drainage renewal and bridge works.
A full list of councils awarded funding through the AgriLinks Upgrade Program can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
"Victoria is Australia's agricultural powerhouse and we know how important it is to have upgraded roads so that our farmers can get their produce to market more efficiently and more often."
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"This investment in local road upgrades benefits all road users, particularly farmers and producers, who need to travel long distances to connect with customers and markets."
As stated by Bass Coast Shire Mayor Michael Whelan
"The agriculture and dairy industry is a significant contributor to the Bass Coast economy and provides employment for 638 residents. The delivery of the Agrilinks Upgrade Program will support our farmers and provide safer roads for all users, including nearby residents and visitors to the Bass Hills."
