Better roads on the way for the Yarra Ranges

Better roads on the way for the Yarra Ranges

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Minister for Infrastructure & Transport

Leader of the House

Member for Grayndler

January 27 2011

In a major boost for the Yarra Range’s agricultural industry, funding provided by the Gillard Labor Government will be used to seal 23 local roads.

This Federally funded capital works program will directly benefit 45 farmers and growers in the districts of Monbulk, Silvan, Yarra Glen and Gruyere, making it easier for them to get their agricultural and horticultural produce – worth around $650 million annually – to market.

All up, more than 30 kilometres of unsealed road will be sealed and given all-weather surfaces, with the Yarra Ranges Shire Council expecting to have this work completed by the middle of the year.

Agri-business is one of the region’s most vital industries supporting around 4,000 permanent and 6,000 seasonal jobs. Indeed the Yarra Valley is gaining a local and international reputation as a producer of fine food and wine, with our investment aimed at supporting this fast maturing industry.

Better local roads will also benefit the local tourism industry which each year welcomes more than 2 million visitors to this unique part of Australia.

The sealing of local roads is being funded out of the $8 million in financial assistance provided by the Gillard Labor Government. Already the Council has used the balance of the funding to build two new overtaking lanes along Wellington Road between Lysterfield Road and the township of Clematis.