IN Parliament recently, Independent Member for Shepparton, Suzanna Sheed, brought the state of regional roads to the Premier’s attention, also securing a positive commitment from Daniel Andrews regarding the Shepparton Bypass.
“Many of Victoria’s rural and regional roads are in a poor condition,” said Ms Sheed. “Even major highways such as the Goulburn Valley Highway and Hume Freeway between Shepparton and Melbourne have significant areas of road damage, with potholes not usually seen on roads of such national importance.”
Ms Sheed said that she drove on the major highways weekly and saw the damage first-hand.
“While I see repairs are being carried out on our regional roads, there is still significant damage that could cause accidents, injuries, or damage to vehicles.”
“I want the entire road networks across regional and rural Victoria to be repaired to a high standard to make our roads safe for all users.”
She said this is an issue she feels passionately about and one that will underpin her election campaign.
Furthermore, Ms Sheed is said to have convinced the State Government to reopen discussions with the Federal Government regarding the Shepparton Bypass.
The major project has been in limbo following an 80:20 funding promise between both governments in 2019. A business case created by the State Government and handed to the Federal Government remained concealed for months until former Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, revealed costs has risen to $1.2B.
Ms Sheed used her question time in Parliament to ask Mr Andrews if he would actively seek a commitment from the new Federal Government to partner with State Labor to fund the Bypass.
“This is a vital project that is well overdue and will benefit not only for our region, but the whole of Victoria and indeed the entire Eastern Seaboard,” said Ms Sheed, who was “buoyed by the Premier’s support.”
“The Shepparton Bypass is an essential safety and freight project for our region, allowing for a second river crossing of the Goulburn River, north of Shepparton. It will also remove heavy traffic from the central business districts of Shepparton and Mooroopna,” she said.
“Once the project begins, it will create job opportunities for our community over the next 10 years, so its implementation will have twofold benefit.”
