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Darren Chester presses for federal backing on proposed roundabout on Maffra-Sale Rd intersection to complete partial funded from Victorian government

Darren Chester, Member for Gippsland, urges Federal Government funding for a crucial road safety project, previously half-funded in the State Budget. Proposed roundabout on Maffra-Sale Rd intersection enhances safety and productivity.

By news@gippsland - 9th May 2024 - 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 the State Budget. The proposal to build a new roundabout on the Maffra-Sale Rd intersection with Fulham-Myrtle Bank Rd would improve safety and productivity for locals and visitors, according to Mr Chester.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester wants to see funding for the Sale alternative route in next week's budget

Road funding frustration

Mr Chester said, "The State Government has finally agreed to provide $10.9 million for this project on the Sale alternative route after years of lobbying by local council, transport operators and my office. We had the chance to secure 80% of the funding from the previous Coalition Government, but we could never convince the Melbourne Labor Ministers to provide the 20% required to get the job done."

"Now the funding rules have been changed by the Albanese Government, and the State Government is required to provide a 50-50 split. By waiting so long, Gippslanders have been short-changed and will now pay more for a road that could've been fixed years ago. After two years with no funding commitments to new road projects in Gippsland, hopefully, the Federal Budget next week will provide a matching grant," he said.

Road project delays

Mr Chester has repeatedly asked Transport Minister Catherine King for information on priority road projects for which the previous government had allocated funding. "Instead of actually investing money in better, safer roads, the Minister has wasted her first two years in office with a protracted review and failed to start a single new project in Gippsland."

"We need to see a commitment in the Federal Budget 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," 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 invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service.
• East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
  East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025.
• Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
  Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• West Gippsland CMA champions healthy waterways, culture, community, and sustainability across the catchment
  West Gippsland CMA celebrates World Rivers Day by highlighting river health, cultural significance, and restoration efforts. Caring for 40,000km of waterways, they partner with communities to ensure resilient, thriving rivers.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
  East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop."
• East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
  South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised.
• South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.