Funding under the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program will substantially improve 57 dangerous crash sites on Victorian roads in 2023–24.

Several black spot road projects in the federal electorate of Corangamite will receive more than $2.3 million in Australian Government funding, Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker MP said, with a Grovedale site receiving $1.2 million of that funding for upgrades.

• The Grovedale project will include upgrades to Marshalltown Road, with the construction of wombat crossings on each approach to the existing roundabout, reconstruction of the centre island and splitter islands, a new asphalt surface, road drainage and upgraded street lighting.

This project was submitted for funding by the City of Greater Geelong and is included in the $25.6 million of funding for Victoria roads under the Black Spot Program’s 2023–24 funding round.

The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.

These Black Spot projects will make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on Victoria’s roads and build on previous investments in the state.

Victoria has had a devastating twelve months with 275 people dying on our roads; this is a 13.2 per cent increase from 2022.

Lisa Chesters MP is the Chair of the Victorian Black Spot Consultative Panel which provide the opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the project selection process, and ensure that nominations of the highest priority and importance to the local community are recommended for approval.

The Victorian review panel includes representatives from the Municipal Association of Victoria, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, Victorian Transport Association, Victorian Police Service, State Minister for Transport’s Office, Department of Transport, Road Safety Victoria, and Traffic Management Association of Australia.

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown

“Across the state, the safety investments will make Victorian roads safer for all road users.

“In announcing this project, this Government recognises the importance of working with the Victorian Government to partner with local councils to deliver the program in the state.”

Quotes attributable to Libby Coker MP:

“This major investment is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to building safer roads.”

“In announcing these new projects, this Government recognises the importance of working with local councils, including the Surf Coast Shire and the City of Greater Geelong, to deliver this program in the state.

“I commend our local councils for being proactive in pursuing this funding.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong, Trent Sullivan:

“It is great to see the government allocate funding for this community-led project.

“This will help make a busy precinct, which is used by people of all ages, safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

Quotes attributable to Grovedale Primary School, Tina Barnett:

“The Grovedale Primary School community are all very pleased that the Bailey Street and Marshalltown Road area has been identified for such significant upgrades.”

“It’s a busy area and we know that this investment from the Federal Government will improve the safety of our children and their families for years to come.”

“Along with our School Council, we have been advocating for preventative measures to be installed since mid-2022 and this announcement has come as a welcome acknowledgement of the importance of protecting our local community members of all ages.”