Labor continues to neglect Victoria's deadliest road.
Plans to duplicate the Western Highway between Ararat and Buangor have finally been signed off, yet the Allan Labor Government has said the timing of construction is yet to be determined.
The message to the government from Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Roads, Danny O'Brien, is simple - "get on with it!"
"After delays of more than a decade, this upgrade needs to get underway now," Mr O'Brien said.
Planning for the highway duplication began in 2008 and was initially slated to be completed by 2020. However, plans stalled in February 2019 over cultural heritage issues.
The Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation has now signed off on a plan that will lead to the project being redesigned for a second time.
The Labor Government has said an updated construction timeline would be announced "soon."
"Soon doesn't cut it," Mr O'Brien said.
"Serious accidents have occurred and 20 lives have been lost in recent years because of this dangerous part of the Western Highway.
"Labor now needs to get on and duplicate this stretch of road as quickly as possible."
Victorians will soon get the opportunity for change, and to see a vast improvement in the state's roads at this year's November election.
The Nationals and Liberals' plan is for a better and safer road network throughout regional Victoria. It's a plan that includes greater preventative maintenance of our roads to reduce long-term maintenance costs. It's a plan that includes stronger auditing and oversight to ensure the job is done properly the first time, and the basics are executed effectively, such as grading roadsides and cleaning table drains.
The Nationals and Liberals will fix our roads, support local infrastructure, and give Victorians our fair share.
