Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey MP is calling on the Albanese Government to pay out $7.4m in promised funding to to upgrade two road projects in Grey saying Labor is failing local communities by allowing country roads to fall into disrepair.
“Persistent wet weather throughout winter and spring, torrential rain events and flooding has caused significant damage to the regional road network beyond that which would have been anticipated in a more normal year,” he said.
“In Grey, the Coalition had committed to funding of $4,968,960 for the upgrade of the Tea Tree Road to improve community access, safety and productivity from Yunta to Tea Tree and $2,443,200 for the Gammon Ranges Road to improve road resilience and community access from Nepabunna to Copley.
“Both of these roads are beyond our nominated council zones and thus fall under the responsibility of the State Government, but as such have attracted a pro-rata contribution from the Commonwealth and it as vital they do not walk away from these commitments.
“Labor is refusing to release the funding for these projects which was allocated by the former Coalition Government prior to the 2022 election.”
The former Coalition Government established the $150 million Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program to fund upgrades to key regional and rural roads that limit community access, pose safety risks and impact economic development.
The program received 205 applicants, seeking much more funding than was available, and following an assessment process undertaken by the infrastructure department, thirty-three worthy projects were committed to across all states.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Senator Bridget McKenzie said now is not the time to withhold promised road funding from regional communities who are struggling with deteriorating and dangerous roads.
January 11, 2023
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 8633 1744
