Daniel Andrews must match the federal government’s $80 million funding for the south-west’s key freight routes, Member for South West Coast and Shadow Minister for Rural Roads Roma Britnell says.
Mrs Britnell said Daniel Andrews must come to the table and match the significant investment announced by Member for Wannon Dan Tehan on Monday.
She said people in the south-west were sick of sub-standard roads and the federal funding would make significant improvements.
“But imagine how much more could be done if the state government stumped up the same amount of cash,” she said.
“The roads earmarked for upgrade are vitally important, not only for people who drive on them each and every day, but they are vital freight links into the Port of Portland and key production areas.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Daniel Andrews to show he recognises there is life beyond the tram tracks of Melbourne and that the safety of south-west motorists is important to him and his Labor Government.”
Mrs Britnell said for months Daniel Andrews and Labor have complained they aren’t getting their fair share of funding from the Federal Government.
“But figures from the latest VicRoads annual report shows federal funding for roads has increased year-on-year since 2014,” she said.
“And lets not forget it is the Federal Government who is contributing $104 million, the bulk of the money, for the Warrnambool rail line upgrade.
“The fact is the Federal Liberal National Government has stumped up plenty of cash for projects the state government would traditionally fund – It’s time for Daniel Andrews to step up to the plate and deliver the roads funding south-west motorist need and deserve.”
