Moorabool Shire Council in Victoria is campaigning for the State and Federal governments to fund the Bacchus Marsh package of road works.
“The Bacchus Marsh package of works is absolutely vital to the town, and we have the designs and concepts for a fully-linked road network but the lack of funding for the Halletts Way ramps is impeding our vision,” Moorabool Shire Council CEO Rob Croxford said.
“If we don’t get this right, traffic problems in Bacchus Marsh are going to get a lot worse.
“Council has had the designs done, we are ready to go on the project – but we have the other two levels of government pointing the finger at each other about who has the money to get it done.”
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced $35 million for a fund that will favour local projects deemed to be of greatest long-term benefit for those communities.
Premier Daniel Andrews in his State Budget announced more than $600-million to upgrade congested roads Victorians use to get around their own communities.
Mr Croxford said both the federal and state governments have acknowledged themselves how important these road improvements are – just over a year ago, the previous state government and VicRoads announced $38 million in funding for works to ease traffic congestion, improve safety and reduce travels times in Bacchus Marsh.
And both the federal and state governments have given money for parts of the works at the West Maddingley end of the western route.
“They know, as well as the 19000 residents that make up Bacchus Marsh, that the road network is not close to adequate for the present, let alone for the future growth of one of the state’s fastest growing regions.
“The State Government needs to fund the $12.5 million east facing ramps and pedestrian bridge at Halletts Way and both the federal and state governments need to ensure all the package of work is completed for our community.”
