Transformed freight vision can supercharge Victorian economy: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the Victorian agriculture industry can propel the state’s economy and surpass $20 billion dollars of food and fibre exports by 2030 if the Victorian Government focusses on road maintenance, lowering costs and improving freight efficiency. In a submission to the Refresh of the Victorian Freight Strategy, VFF President Emma Germano said having a plan to maintain and fix regional roads would be key to reinforcing agriculture…
Golden glow to mine plans
Rachel Hagan. The wait is over as Rex hits road Rex Minerals is about to begin construction on the preliminary stages of the Pine Point Road realignment in preparation for full scale copper and gold production at the Hillside Project ... Rex has big plans to prioritise local jobs, and has already begun training interested students through its school immersion program.
Record-setting restoration of rural gravel roads commences
Lismore City Council has commenced an historic effort to restore over 120km of unsealed gravel roads damaged by natural disasters. Over the next three months, Council will deploy six dedicated local crews to grade and repair the most severely affected areas.
Whose road is it anyway?
Understanding the difference between VicRoads arterial roads and Council local roads In an effort to provide clarity to the public regarding the management and responsibilities of different types of roads, West Wimmera Shire Council is pleased to offer an explanation on the distinction between VicRoads arterial roads and Council local roads.
Name and shame the worst roads
Across the state, unroadworthy roads are putting people’s lives at risk but now RACQ is giving drivers the chance to nominate the roads in their communities that are in desperate need of an upgrade.
Maldon’s B-double blues
With a friendly community and picture postcard appeal, Maldon may be one of the most liveable towns in Australia. Nothing’s perfect, however, and in Maldon’s case one of the irritants is the constant stream of trucks through the town centre.
Allora to have its first roundabout
Construction at Allora’s first roundabout at the intersection of Forde and Warwick streets is scheduled for the 2025-26 financial year. The installation of the new roundabout was announced by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in September 2022.
Warrego Highway funding criticised
Member for Groom Garth Hamilton has taken aim at the Federal Labor Government over the budget allocation for the Warrego Highway between Toowoomba and Ipswich ... "All of this $177 million commitment has been allocated to the 35 kilometre section in the government-held electoral division of Blair (which is in Ipswich). This has shamefully ignored that the Warrego Highway is a critical freight route in Southern Queensland that moves product from paddock to port."
Heavy vehicle detour finished
Towong Shire Council has announced that work on the Corryong Heavy Vehicle Bypass along the Stock Route has wrapped up, with the project now completed. The works included realignment of the Briggs Gap Road/Stock Route Intersection and two main corners along the Stock Route, installation of new drainage and culverts and pavement construction.
Budget 2024: What does it mean for you?
When Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Albanese government’s 2024 budget last week it was touted as a ‘cost-of-living budget’, aimed at relieving the pressure of everyday costs. Member for Farrer and Opposition Party Deputy Leader, Sussan Ley is concerned at the lack of money for the bush. “My key concern is the $315 billion in new spending by Labor risks adding further to inflation and keeping interest rates higher for longer,” Ms Ley told The Riverine Grazier.
Dirt roads
Serious concerns are being raised about the deteriorating condition of our dirt roads and the Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s ability to maintain them. The [Naracoorte Community] News visited some of the dirt roads in Naracoorte to see for itself their deteriorating conditions.
Investment to deliver a future made in Australia: King, McBain, Brown, Chisholm
The Albanese Government’s reforms to the Infrastructure Investment Program, to make it more sustainable, mean we can invest in new projects around the nation. This Budget provides $16.5 billion for new and existing projects across Australia over ten years to improve productivity, liveability, and sustainability.
Federal budget a missed opportunity: GrainGrowers
The federal budget is another missed opportunity to increase regional support through targeted agricultural investments directed at boosting the long-term profitability of grain farming communities. GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton said while the budget delivers some positive initiatives, rural industry was looking for a “cost of production” budget to address some of the underlying pressures now being felt across the rural sector.
Driving force behind truck delivery
Michelle Daw. The efficiency and sustainability of high productivity, heavy vehicles should be taken into account when responding to the challenges of maintaining roads. That’s one of the main points made in a developing submission representing a dozen farming and transport businesses in response to the Heavy Vehicle Access Strategy proposed by Yorke Peninsula Council.
Tilley sees red over traffic lights
Almost half a million dollars has been wasted on traffic lights rather than road fixes, according to the Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley ... "This is the real cost of a cash strapped state that can’t pay for what should be urgent repairs. $474,000 has been wasted while these roads were reduced to one lane."
Major improvements to start in Hay’s main street next week
Improvements are on the way for the main street of Hay. Work is set to start next week on improvements to the main street to provide a stronger road and a smoother and safer journey for up to 5000 vehicles that drive through the town each day. Hay Shire Council General Manager, David Webb welcomed the announcement made on Monday afternoon.
Addressing the Sturt Highway road toll
A Sturt Highway Taskforce has been formed in response to the rising road toll on the Sturt Highway. The initiation came from Murrumbidgee Council, with the first meeting held earlier this month.
Minister’s response on Shepparton Bypass provides no hope: Lovell
During a recent sitting of parliament Wendy Lovell, Liberal Member for Northern Victoria, highlighted the Labor government’s continuing failure to act on the Shepparton Bypass. Following the release of the Shepparton South East Precinct Structure Plan, Ms Lovell urged the State Government to commit to funding at least Stage 1 of the Shepparton Bypass in the 24/25 Budget.
Council delegate pushes worth of keeping eye on highway progress
Narrandera Shire Council delegate Cr Peter Dawson believes that the council must continue its representation on the Newell Highway Taskforce or the northern end of the highway will continue to be upgraded and very little done at the southern end. However he said it was evident that most of the works along the Newell Highway were being carried out in the northern section and very little in the Southern.
Don’t forget rural roads: NSW Farmers Association
Farmers are urging federal and state governments to drastically increase funding for rural road infrastructure as vital roads remain damaged, restricted or even closed three years on from the first major flooding events in the Northern Rivers. NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said federal and state roads and bridges were crumbling across NSW, and locals no longer believed repair was on the horizon.
Some practical tips for being prepared
At recent Birchip and Wycheproof Probus Club meetings, an intriguing question from the Buloke Shire Council’s Community Recovery Team kicked off an essential conversation: “If you had to leave your home in a hurry, what would you take?” This question opened up a broader discussion on emergency preparedness, emphasising the need to know what to pack and where to find reliable information.
Haines pushes priority budget projects
Independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has made the case for significant investment in projects that benefit communities in the electorate in her submission to the federal government ahead of the May budget. The key themes of Dr Haines’ Indi Budget Submission reflect the widespread concerns of the electorate right now including increasing regional housing supply, providing cost-of-living relief and improving health outcomes.
