By Derek Schlennstedt
Australian Labor Cadidate for La Trobe Simon Curtis has confirmed an ALP government would follow through on the Liberal Governments budget plan to commit $300 million to seal roads across the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas.
“Labor will seal roads in the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding suburbs,” he said.
“Well planned and competently delivered road infrastructure is a key component of Federal Labor’s platform … I am delighted to confirm Federal Labor will deliver the funding to seal roads in the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding suburbs.”
Yarra Ranges Council had been calling on all election candidates to honour the recent $300 million commitment to seal streets in the Dandenong Ranges and surrounds.
The recently-announced Federal Budget funding will enable 500km of dirt roads in Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire, to be sealed over a 10-year period, directly benefiting up to 20,000 families and many other road users.
Mr Curtis also confirmed that he would put funding towards improving wellington road, following the The Federal Government’s announcement on 15 April that $110 million would go towards funding the duplication of Wellington Road.
“Labor will commit to upgrading Wellington Road,” he said.
“Road infrastructure is a key component of Labor’s platform, and we will ensure our community gets vital upgrades to important roads in our community.”
Sue Wales spokesperson for the Cockatoo 21st Century Roads Action Group said the group was pleased with the position taken by Labor to use funds included in the 2019 Federal Budget for road infrastructure in the region, should the Labor Party hold office following the election.
“This bipartisan support reflects the very strong case CRAG21 has mounted for Governments and Council to contribute to addressing the backlog of unsealed roads in Cockatoo, and acknowledgement of the safety and capacity concerns around the improvements needed for Wellington Road,” she said.”The funds allocated for work across the wider Hills area exceed our expectations.The importance of the Wellington Road corridor for residents of the Hills region has also been recognised.
“All in all, this is a very gratifying result for the roads in our local areas”.
