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Mallacoota-Genoa road $10M repair delays cause community alarm and despair

Darren Chester demands action on delayed $10 million Mallacoota road works, criticising government inefficiency. Urges prioritisation of safety over bureaucratic hurdles for urgent implementation.

By news@gippsland - 6th June 2024 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says Mallacoota residents are 'sick of excuses' and just want the state government to 'fix the road' after more delays in a planned $10 million program of works. Mr Chester said he was 'alarmed and disappointed' to read the latest advice from Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) that the final program of works would not be confirmed until later this year, despite the money being promised by the former Coalition government in May 2021.

The community is sick of waiting for promised improvements to the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester

Resilience plea successful

Mr Chester said, "In the aftermath of the Black Summer bushfires, I successfully made the case to the former federal government that we need to improve the resilience of the only access road to Mallacoota township, which was severely impacted by the natural disaster."

"The road surface is poor, the corridor is too narrow, falling trees and landslips can block access for an extended period, and very little capital funding has been provided to upgrade this state government-owned asset for the past 20 years."

"Given the Melbourne-focused State Labor government had refused to invest in the road, I submitted a plan to the federal government that would improve safety, increase the resilience of the road in future disasters, and boost the visitor economy," he said.

Long-awaited road delay

Mr Chester also said, "It had been identified by the community as one of the highest priorities after the bushfires, and we were able to secure a $10 million funding commitment in the 2021 Federal Budget.:

"Three years later, and we are still waiting for work to start, despite the fact we were told construction would begin in April 2024. State Minister Melissa Horne and Federal Minister Catherine King need to kick-start their departments and get the work done."

"It's farcical that it takes so long to design and implement road safety improvements in our state, and the complete lack of urgency is a disgrace. Even when they don't have to spend a cent of their own money, the state government is slow to act in East Gippsland," he said.

Approvals pending assessment

According to the RRV website information, final approvals still haven't been granted for the proposed roadworks, which will include realignment of the hairpin bend at Coolwater Creek, widening of curves near Horn Bay, and safety improvements near Double Creek. "These upgrades are proposed only, and final assessments are now required to identify the environmental approvals and permits required," the website says.

"This is due to the unique environmental area surrounding the road both in the road reserve and in the Croajingolong National Park. The outcome from these assessments will help determine the final program of works. Appropriate environmental offsets will also need to be sourced to meet the conditions of any required approvals and permits."

"Getting the project right to improve the safety and resilience of the road whilst minimising environmental impact is important and takes time. However, we understand how important Mallacoota-Genoa Road is to the local community and we are committed to getting works happening on the ground as soon as possible," he said.

Delayed road improvements

Mr Chester said it was extraordinary that the township most adversely impacted by the bushfires was waiting so long for promised roadworks to be delivered. "With cost escalations over the past three years, the promised $10 million will deliver less than expected, and the community has waited too long."

"Everyone appreciates the environmental values of our region, but we are talking about an existing road reserve surrounded by thousands of hectares of native bushland. The safety of locals and visitors needs to take precedence, and we shouldn't be wasting money intended for roadworks to comply with more red and green tape."

"Road safety improvements would enhance the resilience of this key access route in emergency situations, as well as deliver economic benefits through the visitor economy, and it shouldn't take so long to get the project started," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• Construction begins on Warragul’s $30M Library and Learning Centre, delivering new community, cultural and co-working spaces by 2028
  Construction has begun on Warragul’s $30 million Library and Learning Centre, featuring library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, with opening planned for early 2028.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade marks major milestone for Moe’s sporting community and regional events
  Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is undergoing major upgrades, including improved sporting facilities, accessibility, lighting and training infrastructure, boosting community participation, regional events and tourism across Latrobe City.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Morwell’s Icon Industrial receives $1.9M to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs and diversify the local economy
  Morwell’s Icon Industrial development has received a $1.9 million grant for road, sewer, water and drainage upgrades, supporting investment, job creation and economic diversification as the region transitions from traditional industries.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.