Council secures $2 million for safer local roads and streets

Wellington Shire Council is set to deliver a series of road safety improvements across the municipality after securing $2 million through the Victorian Government's Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), have developed the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program to support the development and delivery of road safety infrastructure projects on local roads.

Council secured the funding through a criteria-based application process, with five projects approved across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield. Locations were identified based on a history of crashes, evidence of near misses, and higher levels of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. To be eligible for funding, projects must be on a Council managed road, meet risk criteria and include safe systems principals to improve road safety.

Projects have been funded across the shire and include:

• New roundabout and pedestrian crossings at the Boisdale Street and McLean Street intersection in Maffra
• Roundabout and upgraded pedestrian crossing facilities in Stratford
• Intersection safety improvements at Dawson Street and Guthridge Parade in Sale
• New raised pedestrian crossing near the Gippsland Centre in Sale.
• Speed limit reductions will also be introduced at selected locations in Sale, Wurruk, Stratford and Heyfield to improve safety

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Cindy Madeley said the funding would allow Council to accelerate several long-identified road safety improvements across the municipality.

"Road safety is a shared responsibility, and these projects will help create safer roads and streets for everyone in our community, whether they're walking, cycling or driving," Cr Madeley said.

"The projects funded through this program have been carefully selected using road safety data, community feedback and future planning considerations to ensure we target locations where safety improvements can make the greatest difference."

"We are grateful to the Victorian Government for recognising the importance of investing in local roads and helping Council deliver infrastructure that will improve safety outcomes for our community."

Works are set to begin before Christmas, with the full list of projects expected to be completed by mid-2027.