Strathbogie Shire welcomes roads funding boost to improve local safety and connectivity

Strathbogie Shire Council has welcomed the Allan Labor Government’s announcement of
the next stage of the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program and the 2025–26 Road
Maintenance Blitz, saying it will make an important difference to road safety and reliability
across the region and our Shire.

After months of sustained advocacy to the Victorian Government, Council is thrilled to see its
efforts recognised with crucial upgrades funded across key local routes — particularly along
Violet Town–Murchison Road, the Hume Freeway at Seymour, and the Goulburn Valley
Highway at Tabilk.

Mayor Cr Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the investment recognises the importance of
maintaining safe and resilient road networks across rural Victoria.

“After months of strong advocacy, we’re delighted to see our persistence pay off. These
upgrades are a direct result of early and ongoing conversations with government about the
safety and condition of our local roads. Improvements along Violet Town–Murchison Road,
the Hume Freeway at Seymour and the Goulburn Valley Highway at Tabilk will make a
tangible difference for our residents, local businesses, freight operators and visitors.”

Under the program, rehabilitation works will take place along key stretches of the Hume
Freeway at Tallarook and resurfacing at Seymour and Tabilk, improving conditions for local
residents, freight operators and visitors.

Mayor Ewart-Kennedy said the investment recognises the importance of maintaining safe
and resilient road networks across rural Victoria.

“Every day, people in Strathbogie Shire rely on our roads to get to school, work,
appointments, and community events. These upgrades are not just about smoother journeys
– they’re about keeping people safe and ensuring our region stays connected.”

“Each life lost or seriously injured on our roads has a ripple effect – in small rural
communities like ours, those losses are felt deeply. Families, friends, neighbours, and local
emergency services all carry that impact. The trauma of a road crash reaches far beyond
the immediate moment; it stays with people for years. That’s why every investment in safer
roads, better surfaces and clearer signage is an investment in protecting our community
from that heartbreak.”

“We know that the condition of our road network has a direct impact on local confidence,
liveability, and economic opportunity. Council welcomes the State’s commitment to ongoing
investment and collaboration to deliver the upgrades our communities need.”

Cr Ewart-Kennedy said Council would continue to work closely with the Department of
Transport and Planning and the Transport Accident Commission to advocate for future
rounds of safety and maintenance funding.

“Our priority is to ensure every kilometre of local road – whether it’s a major highway or a
smaller road – meets the standards our residents deserve,” she said.

The Safe Local Roads and Streets Program provides $210 million over four years to improve
local safety and reduce road trauma, with councils able to apply for grants of up to $2 million
to design and deliver local projects.

The program complements the State’s $976 million road maintenance program, which
represents the largest single-year investment in road repairs in Victoria’s history, with 70 per
cent of funding directed toward regional roads.

For more information about the program, visit www.transport.vic.gov.au or
www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au.