East Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils will both receive $1.5 million per year for road and bridge works with the Liberals and Nationals today announcing they will revive the successful Country Roads and Bridges Program if elected in November.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the program, which was scrapped by Labor, will provide grants of $1.5 million per annum to each of Victoria’s 48 rural shires and regional councils to fund the restoration and renewal of deteriorating transport infrastructure.
“This announcement comes on top of our $10 billion commitment over 10 years to properly fund Victoria’s State road maintenance, whereas this program will benefit the local government road network,” said Mr Bull.
“Labor has ignored our roads, including scrapping this program and independents and smaller parties cannot deliver as they will never be in government.
“Maintaining local roads is one of the largest cost burdens on local government, especially small councils with large road networks.
“I know both Wellington and East Gippsland Shires thought highly of this program as it was one where the council knew what was coming and could budget, rather than having to await a grant outcome.
“They were disappointed when it was scrapped and now, we are going to bring it back.”
“It also helps alleviate the escalating capital costs being faced by our local councils, placing downward pressure on rates.”
Mr Bull said reinstating the Country Roads and Bridges Program was a real solution to bring regional Victorian roads back from ruin.
Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, says East Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils will benefit from the Country Roads and Bridges Program under an elected Liberal and Nationals State Government.

Friday, 21 October 2022