Press Releases

The establishment of an alternate heavy vehicle route for Leongatha is a step closer with the announcement of $270,000 from the Victoria Coalition Government for a detailed planning study this week.

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said the Coalition had listened to the community’s concerns and acted quickly to support options for an alternate truck route.

“The South Gippsland Shire  and community groups have called for this initiative for many years. It is a great step forward to now see it delivered,” Mr Ryan said.

“It is estimated that up to 1,000 heavy vehicles pass through the Leongatha shopping strip along the South Gippsland Highway each day.

“The $270,000 in funding will go towards planning for a future alternate truck route that will redirect heavy vehicles away from the town centre, and provide planning certainty for further development within Leongatha.”

Mr Ryan said the comprehensive planning study would look at route options and planning provisions to support the project.

“This important study will look at preferred options for the alternative truck route and subsequent intersection upgrades and requirements,” Mr Ryan said.

“The study will include survey work, specialist investigations, the development of concept designs, community consultation and cost estimates.

“In addition, it will consider the need for a Planning Scheme Amendment to add a Public Acquisition Overlay to the South Gippsland Planning Scheme to protect the preferred alignment.”

Mr Ryan said Leongatha is one of the region’s most vibrant communities and the provision of a heavy vehicle alternative route was a priority for the future development of the town.

“Leongatha a major commercial and industrial hub for the South Gippsland region and the Coalition Government is pleased to support the community’s call for a heavy vehicle route.”

The comprehensive VicRoads planning study will commence early in 2012.