Money for key farmer roads

Northern Grampians Shire Council has almost $900,000 of State Government funding to upgrade two key roadways and strengthen district producers’ transportation capabilities.

Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford announced the government would contribute $780,000 to help widen Joel Joel Road, along with a further $100,000 to upgrade the intersection of Fithalls Road and Ararat-st Arnaud Road.

The money is coming from the government’s Local Roads to Market program.

Ms Pulford said agriculture was one of the state’s most important industries and the government was determined to help farm businesses and their supply chains improve productivity and compete in international markets.

“We are making improvements where it counts – sealing Victoria’s bumpy gravel roads, fixing tight and dangerous intersections and strengthening bridges to get our great produce to market quickly and in top quality condition,” she said.

The widening of the narrow sealed sections of Joel Joel Road is set to benefit a range of agricultural production covering cropping, hay, sheep, cattle, viticulture, poultry and piggery industries.

The upgrade of the Fithalls Road and Ararat-st Arnaud Road intersection will be designed to improve heavy-vehicle access for producers at Beazleys Bridge.

Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Tony Driscoll said the money would be a boost for the shire’s integral agricultural sector.

“This funding will allow us to deliver on key infrastructure upgrades, which will assist in strengthening our already-robust farming industry,” he said.

“We all know that our primary producers play a vital role in driving this region’s economy, and by offering them improved access to markets, we are assisting in that process.”