| |
PHWALG Position Statement - Summary Version
Save Lives. Grow Our Economy.
Seventeen municipalities along the Princes Highway between Geelong and Mount Gambier have come together as the Princes Highway West Alliance of Local Government (PHWALG). We share a common vision for an improved highway and seek State and Federal Government funding support and declaration of the road within the Auslink transport program.
Princes Highway West (PHW) is the major transport corridor connecting regional industry and communities to local and inter-regional ports, airports, road, rail and capital cities. It is critical infrastructure to national and State transport networks and an enormous influence on economic growth.
Why PHW needs duplication and upgrading now:
- For the community it directly serves - 350,000 people, 34 cities, towns and communities, plus 100 smaller indirect communities.
- To save lives – the region’s accident rate is increasing, against the Victorian downward trend. PHW carries a dangerous, high-volume mix of heavy, commuter and tourist vehicles. Serious injury and fatalities are not only devastating to those involved and their families, but represent a huge financial burden on the Federal Government (estimated at $1.7 million per fatality and $406,000 per serious injury).
- To bolster the economy – forecasts for growth in our regional economies are below state and national averages. New investment is required and needs to be supported and further encouraged by efficient and safe transport links. The ports of Geelong and Portland provide major economic benefits as the gateway to other national and international markets. Direct and improved access is critical to continued investment in the region.
- To service increasing private and commercial transport volumes – expected to increase by between 25% and 66% over the next 7 years.
- To service increasing tourist numbers - the region’s popularity to national and international visitors is increasing, placing enormous pressure on the Great Ocean Road.
What we need …
Priority short-term highway improvement requirements are:
- Duplication between Geelong and Colac
- Additional overtaking lanes between Warrnambool and Portland, and in the Terang area
- Shoulder sealing and additional passing lanes between Portland and Mt Gambier.
In the long-term, the shared vision is for PHW to be duplicated between Geelong and Mount Gambier (across State borders).
How it can happen …
The Victorian and South Australian Governments have already recognised and acknowledged the need for duplication and upgrades. This need is also identified in other important community and government publications. The Victorian Government has invested considerable funds since 2005 by implementing several safety initiatives. These address immediate concerns but do not adequately cater for projected growth and traffic demands.
Significant funds (estimated at $550 million) are required to complete the work and ensure the highway fulfils its role as a safe and vital link. The PHWALG firmly believes the road is a key part of the national road network and meets all the criteria to be declared an AusLink road. Granting this status will enable shared funding responsibility between the State and Federal Governments and facilitate the forward progression of the works.
Last word
An improved highway will provide an efficient and safe corridor to facilitate freight movements, visitor activity and community access within the region and beyond.
Reduced travel times will enhance industry supply chains and safer travel will provide confidence to locals and visitors alike.
The experience of other regions shows us that when road infrastructure and upgrades are completed, growth and development follow.
For the people living, working and investing in the 17 municipalities allied to PHWALG, that translates to diversity, strength and sustainability.
Princes Highway West Alliance of Local Governments
|
|
|
