ONE GIPPSLAND KEEPING THE REGION MOVING

One Gippsland has called for multi-million dollar improvements to Gippsland’s freight and transport network in a series of high-level meetings with government.

Mayor of Latrobe City Council and One Gippsland Chair Cr Kellie O’Callaghan said investment in freight was key to the region’s growth, while also reducing the flow of heavy vehicles through towns and communities.

 “Gippsland’s goal to grow the region’s output to $23 billion in gross regional product will require efficient transport and freight connections,”

“One Gippsland’s priority projects will drive the growth of the food and fibre sector, which supplies 15,000 tonnes of Gippsland grown food to Melbourne every day,” Cr O’Callaghan explained.

One Gippsland’s  advocacy campaign is underway, including recent discussions with the Ministers for Ports and Freight, Transport Infrastructure and Roads and Road Safety.

“Funding for Gippsland’s major transport corridors will improve safety, eliminate the bottlenecks and alleviate pressure on local roads, helping to keep our communities safe while supporting our $7 billion food and fibre industry” Cr O’Callaghan said.

One Gippsland have developed a list of regional priorities that has been put forward to both the Federal and State Governments to champion a number of shovel ready priority projects for the region including:

·         San Remo Road Infrastructure Improvements;

·         Sale Alternate Truck Route;

·         Gippsland Logistic Precinct Stages 3; and

·         South Gippsland Highway Realignment – Korumburra - Coal Creek Bends.

 The alliance has also called for funding to plan for the following projects so they can move to investment ready:

·         Warragul and Drouin Arterial Bypass;

·         Duplication of the Mitchell River Bridge;

·         Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Alternate Route Stage 2; and

·         Strzelecki Highway – Crightons Hill Realignment.

 To maintain the competitiveness of Gippsland’s industry, truck-based freight should bypass the region’s growing regional towns to reduce congestion for local residents. Governments must also futureproof freight routes by installing appropriate electric charging infrastructure.

Gippsland is also supporting Victoria’s big build but this does not come without significant transport challenges.  The State Government anticipates that there will be almost 2600 truck movements per day moving through Gippsland carrying extractives to support Melbourne’s construction boom.  This clearly demonstrates the need for safe and efficient freight networks.