Australians will benefit from faster, safer and more efficient road transport, thanks to a total investment of more than $2.3 billion by the Labor Government.
Under the Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan, new and existing roads, railways and boom gates will be constructed or upgraded while accident Black Spots and regional roads will be improved.
Infrastructure and transport projects like these help support jobs, improve facilities and provide important long-term economic and social benefits for communities throughout Australia.
The Labor Government will continue to work closely with state and territory governments to fast-track approvals for project funding under the plan, meaning local communities may benefit sooner.
Deer Park Bypass
The $331 million Deer Park Bypass opened in April, 2009, providing quicker and safer access to Melbourne and the western suburbs for motorists across the Ballarat electorate.
The project was a joint venture with the Labor Government providing 80 per cent of the funding, with the Brumby Government contributing the rest.
Realignment of the Western Highway at Anthony's Cutting
In the 2007 election I made a commitment of $160 million for the Realignment of Anthony’s Cutting. The project will be completed in 2012, with Victorian Government funding of $40 million.
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Duplication of the Western Highway between Ballarat and Stawell
Work began in April 2010 on the Western Highway duplication between Ballarat and Stawell. The Labor Government committed $404 million to this important project, with $101 million from the Victorian Government.
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Black Spots
The Black Spot Program is part of the commitment to reduce crashes on Australian roads. Road crashes are a major cost to Australians every year. Black Spot projects target those road locations where crashes are occurring. By funding measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at dangerous locations, the program reduces the risk of crashes. Programs of this sort are very effective, saving the community many times the cost of the relatively minor road improvements that are implemented.
The Labor Government is currently funding 18 local projects at a cost of $5,742,000.
Click here for a full list of projects.
Boom Gates for Rail Crossings
The Labor Government has provided funding for 6 local projects via the Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program.
Click here for a full list of projects.