Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has cast doubts on a $10 million project to upgrade the Mallacoota-Genoa Road, which has been delayed for more than three years.
Mr Chester secured the money from the previous Government in May 2021 but has slammed the lack of action to improve the vital link between Mallacoota and the Princes Highway.
“The longer we wait, the more money that is being wasted on consultants, and we will see less work done because construction costs have increased,” Mr Chester said.
“The level of bureaucratic incompetence in the state and federal ministerial offices is hard to believe, and I don’t know how much money is left for this project.
“The funding has been available for more than three years, and they have yet to agree on a plan to get the work started while locals and visitors endure a road that is falling apart.”
Mr Chester said the need for a better, safer and more resilient transport link between the highway and the coast was identified in the aftermath of the Black Summer Bushfires when the road was closed for six weeks.
“I have repeatedly raised my concerns with the state and federal ministers, but all we hear back is excuses,” Mr Chester said.
“According to the latest update on the RRV website, after more than three years, they’ve managed to identify three proposed upgrades including: realignment of the hairpin bend (near Coolwater Creek); widening of curves near Horn Bay; safety improvements near Double Creek, such as slow vehicle turn-out lane.
“But it gets better. The website also advises that these upgrades are proposed only, and final assessments are now required to identify the environmental approvals and permits required.
“Now we are being told that technical studies, including preliminary designs, environmental and cultural heritage investigations, and economic evaluations, are currently underway to prepare a detailed submission to the Australian Government for the release of funding for construction.”
The department says it will keep the community informed as the project progresses.
“I can understand why locals are frustrated and angry that after waiting more than three years since the Federal Government announced the $10 million was in the budget, the road is in worse condition, and no construction has occurred,” Mr Chester said.
“Everyone is sick of the pathetic excuses and just want to see some action to fix the road.
“It’s farcical that it takes so long to design and implement road safety improvements in our state, and the complete lack of urgency is a disgrace. Even when they don’t have to spend a cent of their own money, the State Government is slow to act in East Gippsland.”
