PUBLISH PROGRAM OF ALPINE ROAD WORKS: HALL

Eastern Victoria MP Peter Hall has called for a published works program that sets out a three to five-year work schedule of improvements to the Great Alpine Road.

Mr Hall, along with The Nationals’ candidate for Federal seat of Gippsland, Darren Chester, travelled along the road recently. Mr Hall told State Parliament this week that he and Mr Chester were pleased to see some of the significant recently completed roadworks and other works currently underway.

Mr Hall said local people were also pleased to see the works underway, but added there is much more work to do.

“The people of this region would like to see a published works program that sets out a three to five-year work schedule of road improvements to the Great Alpine Road. Local people want to see their taxes at work,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall added that the current works are the result of a federal government funding package of $6 million announced prior to the 2004 federal election.

“Some might say there has been a fair delay since the funding announcement and the point in time when those roadworks are being undertaken, but there needed to be an extensive consultation program with the local community so priorities could be addressed.” Mr Hall commended VicRoads on the manner in which it consulted the local community about the priority sections of road that needed upgrading.

Outside Parliament he said that was another reason why a three to five year schedule of improvements would be welcomed and useful.

“It will give local people a chance to see what is coming up and if there are any issues that arise, they could have an opportunity to contribute their local knowledge.”

Mr Hall said it would also show a commitment by the State Government to spending the money promised over a number of years through the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund. Less than half of the more than half a billion dollars has been spent.

“This is an opportunity for the State Government to demonstrate that the Infrastructure Development Fund money is available and will be spent,” Mr Hall said.

“I think it is a reasonable expectation that the people of the Tambo Valley are given a published schedule of roadworks that the government intends to commit to and undertake for the further improvements that are needed to the Great Alpine Road.”