27 February 2025
OVER $5 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR ROAD SAFETY UPGRADES FROM MURCHISON TO VIOLET TOWN
Additional funding is set to support a new life-saving project for the Goulburn Valley Highway, under the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program.
Both the Australian and Victorian governments are providing significant additional contributions of over $69.7 million each, for a joint investment of over $139.4 million into Victorian roads, with $5.5 million for the Goulburn Valley Highway.
This additional funding brings the total joint investment by the Australian and Victorian governments, through the Road Safety Program, to $259.5 million from 2023 to 2026.
This funding boost for road safety upgrades for the Goulburn Valley Highway between Murchison and Violet Town will ensure greater levels of safety at each of project locations, reducing the risk of crashes that cause fatal or serious injuries.
Improved safety for motorcyclists and pedestrians has been prioritised through 16 extra projects across Victoria, with upgraded protections on barriers, skid resistance, shoulder sealing, and curve signage set to be featured. On the Goulburn Valley Highway, the project will improve:
- Shoulder sealing across 35km in both directions of the highway,
- Installation of audio-tactile line marking,
- Draining improvements,
- Upgrades to existing barriers,
- And other associated works to improve road safety.
Approximately 172 new construction jobs across Victoria are also expected to be created over the life of the program.
Further information on the Road Safety Program can be found here.
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:
“This additional funding is all part of our record investments in road safety in order to save lives, reduce injuries, and prevent crashes before they happen.
“But this project won’t just improve safety, they’ll also provide those living in regional communities across Victoria with employment opportunities in the construction and planning industry.
“The wider Road Safety Program forms part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to work with state and territory governments to fund the priority road safety works they identify.”
Quotes attributable to Senator, Lisa Darmanin:
“These vital safety upgrades for the Goulburn Valley Highway will help protect everyone who travels between Murchison and Violet Town. Whether you're a local, a truck driver, or a visitor passing through, safer roads mean fewer crashes and fewer tragedies.”
“The Murchison and Violet Town communities rely on the Goulburn Valley Highway every day. Sealing the shoulders and upgrading barriers will make a real difference in preventing serious accidents and improving road conditions for all road users.”
“Beyond making our roads safer, this project will also create jobs for local workers. Investing in road safety is an investment in regional Victoria’s future—keeping people safe while supporting local employment.”
ENDS
Media contacts:
James Laidler (Chisholm) – 0458 729 475
Rose Steele (Darmanin) – 0405 000 680
