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Inaction of Andrews Labor government to upgrade 100-year old arterial road network in Baw Baw Shire now makes cost close to $1.5B

Two new expert reports have revealed the full cost of continued state government inaction to upgrade Baw Baw Shire's 100-year old arterial road network may approach $1.5 billion.

By news@gippsland - 29th September 2022 - Back to News

The studies, undertaken on behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council by expert consultants REMPLAN and GHD respectively, have detailed the long-term costs should Regional Roads Victoria continue with a minimal-to-no-investment approach to the arterial road network in and around Warragul and Drouin. Their findings show the cost of a do-nothing-approach to Baw Baw's economy will range between $1.27 billion and $1.50 billion over the next 30 years.

Warragul and Drouin arterial road network cannot cope with the current congestion driven by extraordinary residential growth

Risk by no-investment approach

Baw Baw Shire has the third highest population growth rate in regional Victoria and will continue to increase as an estimated 20,000 new homes are constructed.

Agriculture is one of the top industries in Baw Baw Shire, supplying 10% of Victoria's vegetable supply per annum, and with the Gippsland region providing up to 22% of dairy products Australia wide.

The REMPLAN report estimates that by 2045, total economic impact for the Gippsland Region from retail and commercial activity within the Drouin Town Centre is anticipated to include a gross revenue of $182 million and in turn support 815 ongoing jobs. That economic growth could be hindered or put at risk by a no-investment approach.

Pressure on arterial roads

The rapid residential and industrial growth is already placing enormous pressure on the state-managed arterial roads that serve as key transport routes between the Drouin and Warragul town centres, and as connectors to metropolitan Melbourne in the west, and the Latrobe Valley and Central and East Gippsland in the east.

With traffic volumes exceeding 13,000 vehicles, including 600 heavy vehicles each day, the 100-year-old arterial road network is no longer fit to cater for the volume of residential, commercial and industrial traffic it sees daily.

Without alternative transport routes to support more efficient and safer transport for livestock, extractive resources and agricultural produce in and out of the region, the congestion on these arterial roads will put the brakes on the regions' commercial and industrial growth.

No secured commitment

The impacts of not addressing the congestion extends beyond industry, to the quality of life for the Baw Baw Shire community, with increased congestion, noise, localised pollution, longer travel times, increased road maintenance costs, and growing concerns regarding emergency service access and increasing difficulties accessing education locations.

Baw Baw Shire Council has been actively advocating to the state government over the past 12 months to allocate $3 million in funding to Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) to design a modern, fit for purpose arterial road network, so far without securing commitment.

Costing the local economy

Now, with the cost of inaction estimated to cost the local economy up to $1.5 billion over the next 30 years, and with the state government election fast approaching, council will seek every opportunity to advocate to all sides of the political spectrum to support our region's residential, commercial and industrial growth, and commit to $3 million for RRV to undertake proper design works aimed at addressing the congestion on Baw Baw's state-owned arterial roads.

To learn more about council's ongoing advocacy efforts for better roads for Baw Baw, go to Warragul and Drouin Bypass - The road to a better future for Baw Baw.

Funding to regional roads

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "Baw Baw is one of the fastest growing regions in the State. We're at the beating heart of the Gippsland economy. What we're asking for is $3 million in allocated state government funding to Regional Roads Victoria to support our region's growth, and to undertake badly needed design planning for an arterial road network capable of dealing with industrial and residential traffic we're seeing now and which will only get worse into the future."

The figures speak for themselves. The cost of doing nothing to upgrade Baw Baw's state-owned roads network is not only impacting our residents and businesses right now, but it will also cost our economy up to $1.5 billion over the next 30 years.

"That's why we have made this issue an absolute priority on behalf of local industry and residents. It is vital that we make travelling within Baw Baw's major towns of Drouin and Warragul safer and more convenient for residents, and more efficient for business and industry, if we are to avoid the brakes being slammed on our economy." Cr Leaney concluded.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Join Council's Walk Against Family Violence on 26 November in Leongatha. Wear orange, take part in the Respect photo pop-up, and support the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
• Entries close for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar showcasing iconic scenes across Gippsland
  Entries have closed for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar, with 344 stunning photos submitted capturing Gippsland's iconic landscapes. Winners will feature in the free 2026 calendar, distributed later this year.
• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
  Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
  Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration.
• Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
  Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
  Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.