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Darren Chester calls for Federal government funding to complete Sale alternative route safety upgrade project

Darren Chester urges the federal government to match State funding for the Sale alternative route upgrade, including a new roundabout, to improve safety and productivity for locals and visitors.

By news@gippsland - 6th January 2025 - Back to News

Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling on the federal government to commit funding for an important road safety project that was half-funded in last year's State Budget. Mr Chester said the plan to upgrade the Sale alternative route, including a new roundabout on the Maffra-Sale Rd intersection, had stagnated under the Albanese government.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the federal government should provide its share of funding for a major intersection upgrade on the Sale alternative route

Road funding stalled

Mr Chester said, "Transport Minister Catherine King has wasted almost three years in the job without funding a single new road project in Gippsland. The Princes Highway duplication and bridge strengthening on the Sale alternative route were all funded by the previous government, and we're waiting for the Minister to show some interest in the next stage of road safety upgrades."

Mr Chester said the popular alternative to using the Princes Highway to effectively bypass Sale needed additional funding to improve safety and productivity for locals and visitors. "The state government finally agreed to provide $10.9 million for the roundabout project on the Sale alternative route after years of lobbying by local council, transport operators and my office."

Bridge funding urgency

Mr Chester said, "Now we need the Albanese government to come on board with a matching grant, and we can get the job started. We need to see a commitment to deliver funding for safety and productivity improvements on key road corridors, which will save lives, create jobs and deliver long-term benefits to the region."

"Once the bridge strengthening work is completed, we should be getting started on the new roundabout as a matter of urgency, but that will require the federal government to deliver the additional funding," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
  Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
  Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Martin Cameron demands Labor guarantee Traralgon PSOs won’t be removed amid redeployment to retail precincts
  Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to guarantee PSOs won’t be removed from Traralgon, warning redeployment to shopping centres could compromise safety on the region’s already under-resourced rail network.