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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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• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Wellington Shire dog attacks decline, but council urges owners to secure pets and practise responsible dog ownership
  Wellington Shire recorded 64 dog attack reports over the past year, down from 93. Council urges owners to secure dogs, supervise children and practise responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on three strategies guiding local economic growth, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure through 2037
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three strategies covering economic development, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure, with consultation open until November 8, 2026, to guide priorities and investment through 2037.
• Wellington Shire Council updates flood mapping to improve safety, planning, climate resilience and development decisions across the municipality
  Wellington Shire Council is updating flood mapping and planning controls, incorporating climate impacts, to improve safety, guide development and manage flood risks. Public submissions close 2 November 2026.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft policy to strengthen engagement and decision-making until 21 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation, clarify engagement expectations and ensure community input informs council decision-making. Submissions close 21 October 2026.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Darren Chester joined Wellington Shire representatives to welcome 57 new citizens at The Wedge ceremony
  Wellington Shire welcomed 57 new Australian citizens at The Wedge, with Federal Member Darren Chester and council representatives celebrating their milestone and contributions to Gippsland communities.
• Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
  Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on future of local aquatic facilities and swimming pools before 6 December 2026
  South Gippsland Council is seeking community feedback on the future of aquatic facilities, with ageing infrastructure, changing visitation, rising costs and renewal needs under consideration. Feedback closes December 6.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives.
• Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
  Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
  Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.
• Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
  Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo.
• East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• Gippsland students impress Darren Chester with their understanding of Australian democracy and government
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised St Mary’s Primary School Maffra students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy, Parliament and government during a recent civics visit and discussion.
• 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.
• Nationals and Liberals propose $115M apprenticeship fund to help small businesses cut training costs, address skills shortages and create local jobs
  The Nationals and Liberals have announced a proposed $115 million apprenticeship fund to cover 50 per cent of eligible training costs, supporting small businesses, and creating more local career opportunities for Gippsland youth.
• New drinking fountains improve free water access across Sale's popular recreation facilities
  Sale's major recreation facilities now offer improved free drinking water access, with new fountains at Aqua Energy, Port of Sale and Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, supporting hydration and reusable bottle use.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Foster CFA volunteers await new station funding despite site and lease arrangements already being in place
  Foster CFA volunteers continue waiting for a new station, with a site and long-term lease secured. Danny O’Brien is calling for government funding to begin construction.
• Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
  The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• 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.
• East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day
  East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.
• Melina Bath announces $53.6M boost to patient travel assistance for regional Victorians under Nationals-Liberal government
  Melina Bath says a proposed $53.6 million boost to Victoria’s patient transport assistance would increase accommodation and travel reimbursements, easing healthcare costs for regional patients travelling long distances for specialist treatment.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
  Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season.