Roads projects high on council’s agenda

Baw Baw Shire Council is continuing to advocate for important road upgrades that have been identified as crucial in the growth of the area.

Councillors and officers recently met with key state government roads representatives.

High on the agenda was the increased pressure that main arterial roads are facing, after the unprecedented growth in Drouin and Warragul over the past few years.

Held in Drouin, the meeting was attended by mayor Danny Goss, Crs Peter Kostos, Mikaela Power and Keith Cook, chief executive officer Alison Leighton, Department of Transport head of transport services Jeroen Weimer, Regional Roads Victoria planning manager Pas Monacella and Eastern Victoria Region Director at Regional Roads Victoria Sara Rhodes-Ward.

Cr Goss said that he was pleased with how the meeting went, saying he was grateful to have the state government representatives visit the area to discuss further planning.

“The meeting was a welcome opportunity to bring our roads needs to the attention of department leaders. We totally understand the frustration of ratepayers who are regularly letting us know how bad the situation is,” he said.

“We know our arterial road network needs some serious investment so they can keep up with both current and future growth. We received an excellent hearing and thank the transport representatives for coming to our region.”

Council used the meeting to check the status of identified projects in the area, such as the duplication of Princes Way between Warragul and Drouin, a bypass to relieve traffic and divert heavy vehicles out of the Drouin town centre, upgrading the Warragul freeway interchange (Korumburra Rd and Landsborough Rd roundabout) as well as the introduction of a controlled intersection at Princes Way and Wellwood Road in Drouin.

Cr Kostas said council was committed to advocating for the regions needs such as projects like these.

“These critical road projects are not possible without investment and support from the state government. We’re committed to advocating for our regions needs and welcome more opportunities to collaborate with other departments to achieve practical outcomes for our community,” he said.