MITCHELL Shire Council last week welcomed an announcement from Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell confirming the commitment of local roads funding.
The Federal Government will provide a total of $11 million to the Mitchell and Macedon Ranges shires to fund road upgrades, with each council to receive $5.5 million.
The funds will go towards the construction of Wallan’s Wellington Street between Watson Street and Duke Street, as well as upgrades along Darraweit Road.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said the commitment would enable housing, jobs and industrial growth for the region’s future prosperity.
“Mitchell Shire greatly appreciates the announcement and commitment of this funding from the Federal Government,” she said.
“Government funding like this is crucial and important in helping us maintain the 1400km of council-managed local roads in our shire.
“Every extra dollar we get in any area of our responsibility helps us to deliver more projects, services and initiatives to support our community.”
Mr Mitchell said the funding would help bring Wallan’s roads up to standard.
“Thanks to a decade of neglect from the [Liberal-Nationals] coalition government, our local roads have not seen the investment they have needed,” he said.
“For a decade, local roads were neglected in McEwen with potholes, dangerous shoulders and substandard surfaces becoming the norm with Federal investment non-existent.
“We will continue to work with the community to deliver projects that matter to them. Fixing local roads will ensure people can get to work safely and back home to their loved ones at night.”
