OMEO HIGHWAY UPGRADE ON TRACK
June 17, 2011
High country towns in East Gippsland will be the big winners when the Omeo Highway is finally sealed according to local MPs Tim Bull and Darren Chester.
The State Government has committed $8 million towards sealing Victoria’s oldest gazetted highway.
Mr Bull said sealing the remaining unsealed sections of the highway would provide significant benefits to East Gippsland.
“The community has been asking for the highway to be sealed for a long time and the Victorian Coalition is determined to get the job done,” Mr Bull said.
“A year-round link between the north-east and the south-east will provide significant benefits for our region.
“It is an investment in the long-term future of high country tourism and the small businesses in communities along the route.”
Mr Chester, the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Regional Transport, said improving safety on the Omeo Highway for local residents would also be a key feature of the project.
“The weather in the region can have a severe impact on the ability of local residents and visitors to travel safely, particularly in winter,” Mr Chester said.
“The current condition of the Omeo Highway and also a lack of maintenance have made it even more difficult to use the road during adverse weather conditions.
“I’m pleased that the Victorian Coalition Government has committed to sealing the remaining sections of the highway to improve road safety for local residents and visitors venturing to and from the high country.”
