Elsie Lange
Labor has pledged $11 million to improve roads across Mitchell and Macedon Ranges council areas if the party wins the federal election on Saturday.
The funding pledge follows Liberal’s announcement on May 6 of $8.5 million to upgrade Macedon Ranges roads in the marginal federal electorate of McEwen.
Yesterday, a joint statement from McEwen’s sitting Labor MP Rob Mitchell and opposition spokesperson for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King, said the funding would go to councils to work with the community to identify projects.
“This investment comes on top of Labor’s already announced $250 million boost to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, delivering additional funding to local road upgrades in regional and peri-urban communities just like those in McEwen,” the statement said.
Macedon Ranges council mayor Jennifer Anderson welcomed the announcement, especially the decision to allow council to decide with the community where the money would be best spent.
“We are acutely aware there are many local roads across the shire in need of improvement,” Cr Anderson said.
“Receiving this additional commitment means many of the priority projects identified by council and our community can be addressed and our rate-payer funds can go further.”
Council said both announcements now ensure investment in roads in the region will “soon be a reality”.
Mr Mitchell blamed a “decade of neglect” by the federal government for the lack of investment in Macedon Ranges roads.
“That, on top of the neglect of job creation in our communities, means that people are spending more time on poor roads,” Mr Mitchell said.
Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said both funding promises were great news for the region, particularly in light of expected population growth.
“It is important we keep working to support priority local road improvements, which will make a big difference to our local communities,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“Knowing both major parties at a federal level are committed to improving our local roads means we can look forward to addressing some of the current concerns in this area.”
