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Darren Chester slams inaction four years after $10M Mallacoota-Genoa Rd upgrade funding was secured

Darren Chester is demanding answers after four years with no progress on the $10M Mallacoota-Genoa Rd upgrade, despite secured funding and community calls for urgent safety improvements.

By news@gippsland - 14th May 2025 - Back to News

Four years after securing funding for a $10 million upgrade of the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd, local MP Darren Chester says he's 'angry and frustrated' that nothing has been done to actually fix the road. Mr Chester secured the $10 million from the previous Coalition government to improve the safety and resilience of the road, which was closed for six weeks after the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20.

The Mallacoota-Genoa Rd is continuing to deteriorate, with the state government refusing to provide a timeline for construction to start with $10 million in federal government funding

Four years lost

Four years later, no construction work has occurred on the road despite repeated requests from Mr Chester for the state government to fast track the project and he's written to the Prime Minister, seeking an explanation. "This is not a happy anniversary because it's been four years since the money was secured in the budget with 100% of the funding coming from the previous federal government," Mr Chester said.

"The world can hold the Olympics every four years, you can finish a university degree in four years, but the Labor government in Victoria can't fix the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd in four years, even when it's not costing them a cent.

"Even though constructing a more resilient and safer transport route was identified as a high-priority project by the local community after the bushfires, there is no sense of urgency in Minister Melissa Horne's office or amongst the bureaucracy to get the work started. It's become a complete farce, and we can't get a straight answer about when work will actually start to improve road safety," Mr Chester said.

Calling for action

Mr Chester said he had received no updates on the project since the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne confirmed in January that $500,000 of the original funding had been spent on studies and consultation. "I am advised that technical studies, including preliminary designs and environmental and cultural heritage investigations, have been completed," Ms Horne wrote at the time."

"These investigations and evaluations are essential to ensure the Department of Transport and Planning meets the planning and environment legislative requirements and understand the associated approval pathways, timeframes, and costs."

"Now that these details have been confirmed, DTP has lodged a detailed submission to the Australian government for the release of the remaining $9.5 million funding to construct this project," he said.

Prioritise regional safety

Mr Chester has now written to the Prime Minister seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the project and other road transport priorities across Gippsland. "Surely it is time to prioritise human life over a few gum trees in Gippsland when we already have an extensive network of National Parks and reserves across our state?" Mr Chester wrote.

"It's well-known that regional motorists are disproportionately represented in road trauma statistics, and the majority of crashes occur on roads with limited safety features. Commonwealth-funded rural and regional road safety projects are life-saving endeavours that should be pursued with a sense of urgency in partnership with other levels of government. The entire Infrastructure Investment Program should have an increased focus on saving lives in our regions, not just saving minutes for city commuters," Mr Chester concluded.

Pictures from Google Maps.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland.
• East Gippsland Council accepts $4.255M Commonwealth funding to progress Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub
  East Gippsland Council has accepted $4.255 million Commonwealth funding to progress the Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub, finalising designs and preparing to tender construction for Paynesville lakeside community facility.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to prioritise urgent upgrades for Gippsland schools in poor condition
  Melina Bath urges Allan Government to urgently upgrade Gippsland schools, highlighting 2025 report revealing many in poor condition, with ageing infrastructure and maintenance deficits impacting students’ education.
• Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
  Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor government for recycled road funding spin and failure to deliver real investment
  Melina Bath has accused the Allan government of recycling old road funding announcements, labelling them propaganda and demanding genuine investment to address the worsening condition of regional Victoria's neglected roads.
• Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
  Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions.
• Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
  Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
  Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant.
• Melina Bath said CFA volunteers face risks due to aging equipment and $55M funding shortfall since 2020
  The CFA faces a $50 million deficit as volunteers fight fires with aging equipment, with funding lagging inflation despite Allan Labor’s claims, exposing ongoing crisis and growing pressure on brigades.
• Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre partially closes for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades over coming weeks
  Parts of Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre will close temporarily for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades. Alternative facilities and adjusted programs are available during Stage 1 works.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.
• Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor government for neglecting regional PSOs while funding Melbourne stations
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor Government for neglecting regional PSOs, citing rising Gippsland crime and calling for equal safety protections and additional officers under Coalition plans.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.