GUIDELINES are now available, and applications have opened for the Federal Government’s Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program, paving the way for much-needed upgrades to some of Australia’s forgotten roads.

The government has committed $150 million for upgrades to unsealed roads throughout remote Australia, many of which haven’t been worked on since the Great Depression.

The Spectator recently reported on the poor condition of Regional Victorian roads, particularly potholes, rough surfaces and deteriorating edges in the Greater Hamilton region.

Councils across Wannon can apply to have projects that are important to them funded and delivered.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Infrastructure director, Marg Scanlon said since the program had only just opened applications, the shire was yet to confirm the details of their planned application.

“Council’s Infrastructure Department is currently working to define our priorities for a submission to this funding stream,” she said.

“We are excited by the prospect of being able to upgrade more of our local and remote road network and improve safety for our residents and visitors.”

Wannon MP, Dan Tehan said the funding would improve quality of life in regional and remote areas by increasing accessibility to regional communities and delivering essential infrastructure.

“The government recognises the costs of upgrading rural and regional roads are often prohibitive for local governments,” he said.

“To ensure these important projects are funded, the government will be funding up to 80 per cent of the approved projects to deliver improved key road networks and road safety.

“Locals will have better access to cultural, social, recreational, educational, medical and economic opportunities in their area because of our investment.

“I look forward to working closely with local councils to secure funding for important road upgrades.”

Unsealed or degraded roads 20 kilometres or longer with a low safety rating are eligible for funding under the program.

The project must not have previously received funding under another program or received significant investment in the last five years.

Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development minister, Barnaby Joyce said the government has continued to invest in the future of regional and remote Australia.

“Our government is delivering the projects that regional Australians need to live and get ahead,” he said.

“Remote roads are out of sight and out of mind for most Australians, but that doesn’t make them any less important to our supply chains and the freight operators and regional Australians who rely on them.

“We’re investing in these upgrades because they will keep Australians who choose to live in remote areas safe on their local roads, towns and communities connected, and freight moving.

“These upgrades will give mums and dads confidence they can get their children to school when it rains or complete a trip to the supermarket to purchase the products their household needs.

“Improving remote roads will also support our regional businesses, ensuring their products continue to reach supermarkets and ports and keeping them connected with international markets.

“Regional Australians deserve the same services and opportunities as people living in our capital cities and that’s why we’re investing in the projects that are important to people living off the beaten track.”

Victorian shadow roads minister, Louise Staley said road conditions across the state were a disgrace.

Ms Staley pointed out a gap in the quality of roads in Metropolitan Melbourne compared to Regional Victoria and said those who venture outside of the city this festive period would be shocked by the large potholes and botched repairs on regional roads.

“When it comes to Regional Victorian roads, rather than actually fixing the problem, the government lowers the speed limit and forgets it,” she said.

“Perhaps Daniel Andrews could turn his attention to projects that effect all Victorians, instead of wasting hundreds of millions of dollars on city redevelopments.” Applications for the Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program are open until Sunday, February 20, 2022 – for more information, including program guidelines, go to investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/national-initiatives/remote-roads-upgrade.aspx.