Councils across the region will make use of the Federal Government’s $4.4 billion investment in the Roads to Recovery Program over the next five years.
The Roads to Recovery Program is an ongoing program that operates on a five-year funding period, supporting the construction and maintenance of the local road infrastructure assets.
The funding boost, which progressively doubles the program’s funding to $1 billion annually, will allow local governments to plan for the long-term maintenance and upgrade of their roads network.
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell welcomed its confirmation in the 2024 Budget.
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring local government road funding is stable, predictable, and fair into the future,” he said.
“This budget locks in progressive increases to local roads funding, with councils in McEwen to share in almost $42 million over five years.
“Unlike under previous Coalition governments which starved Victoria of roads funding, this Budget has recognised the road infrastructure needs in all states, especially Victoria, which will finally receive an increase of $368 million to $895 million in funding over five years.”
Mitchell Shire received $10.33 million from the current round of funding, spanning from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029.
Mitchell Shire Chief Executive Brett Luxford said council was currently in discussions with the Federal Government to determine the precise timeline for receiving this funding.
“Once received, the funds will be allocated to council’s road renewal program, which is reviewed and updated annually as part of council’s budget,” he said.
Mr Luxford said the funding would allow council to plan for the long-term maintenance of the road network.
“We’re very thankful for this funding from the Federal Government as it is crucial for council to maintain and upgrade its road infrastructure,” he said.
“Stable and predictable funding from the government is vital and allows council to plan for the long-term maintenance and enhancement of the road network.
“This funding will enable the council to progress with road projects that are vital for the community, ensuring that local roads remain safe and reliable.”
Neighbouring shire Macedon Ranges Shire Council will also benefit from the investment, receiving $12.68 million that will be used to support council’s future Road Renewal and Capital Works program.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is investing a total of $12.5 million in the 2024-25 Budget to improve road across in the shire.
Roads include Old Lancefield Road in Woodend, Mount Gisborne Road in Gisborne, and Lauriston Road and Kyneton-Metcalfe Road in Kyneton, among others.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Director Assets and Operations Shane Walden said council prioritised its annual works programs based on road condition, speed, and traffic volume.
“We have not been advised of the specific 2024-25 amount, however it will go towards the roads listed in the roads program in council’s adopted budget,” he said.
“To plan for the long-term maintenance upgrade of the roads network, road condition audits are conducted every five years, with the next one scheduled for 2024-25.
“These audits prioritise the roads in the road program for the next five years, with roads monitored for any changes in condition.”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council also continues to proactively report issues to VicRoads and advocate for repairs to stage-managed roads, and encourages residents to do the same via bit.ly/45fDUj8.
City of Whittlesea Council received $12.47 million, supporting council’s annual Road Rehabilitation Program which seeks to reconstruct roads nearing the end of their serviceable life.
City of Whittlesea Chief Executive Craig Lloyd said roads would be nominated at the start of each financial year, following an assessment and review of council’s Road Rehabilitation Program.
“Council undertakes periodic audits of its entire road network to assess the condition of its roads against objective technical engineering criteria,” he said.
“We take into consideration a variety of factors, including what type of road it is, surrounding land use, and maintenance history to help us prepare a program of works each financial year.
“Under the previous Roads to Recovery Program, council received $7,087,040 in funding over five years which has been very beneficial, contributing to the repair of 53 roads throughout the City of Whittlesea.”
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