The Federal Government has confirmed it has increased its funding commitment to a critical road safety project in Lakes Entrance, but is still waiting for the State Government to do its homework.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed an acknowledgement from Federal Transport Minister Catherine King that the Eastern Beach Road-Princes Highway intersection upgrade remained a priority project after years of unexplained delays.
“It’s been almost five years since we first received a funding commitment of $4 million, and I am frustrated that it has taken so long to get this road safety project moving,” Mr Chester said.
“From day one, the problem has been the Andrews-Allan Labor Governments refusing to contribute just 20 per cent to get the work done.
“The longer we have waited, the more expensive the job has become, and pedestrians’ lives remain at risk.”
Mr Chester wrote to the State and Federal Ministers more than three months ago and has received advice the project is progressing.
“At the 2025-26 Budget, the Government committed an additional $2.6 million towards the Princes Highway Safety Upgrades project,” Ms King said.
“This has increased the government’s commitment from $4.0 million to $6.6 million. This project will provide safety upgrades on the Princes Highway in
Lakes Entrance.
“The department is awaiting submission of a Project Proposal Report from Victoria to confirm project scope and delivery timeframes.”
Mr Chester said there was no reason for further delays and the State Government should be able to submit
the paperwork as a matter
of urgency.
In her reply to his correspondence, the State Roads Minister Melissa Horne confirmed the detailed work had progressed on the traffic lights installation and pathway relocation.
“The project will now deliver a new footpath on the north-west side connecting Eastern Beach Road to the existing bus stop located between Middle Street and Jetty Road,” Ms Horne wrote.
“A direct pedestrian link across the highway using the existing refuge island will then integrate with the existing shared path adjacent to the foreshore reserve near the United Service Station.”
Mr Chester said he would keep the pressure on both levels of government to finally get the project completed, as the new retirement villas would add to traffic pressure at the intersection.
“We need to get the project done now to improve safety for school children and local residents,” he said.
“It’s disappointing that taxpayers will be paying more because of the long delays, but we just need to get the job done as soon as possible.”
