Council
15 January, 2025
Dyson calls for greater road funding
INDEPENDENT candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson has raised concerns the Federal Government’s promise of billions to upgrade Queensland’s Bruce Highway shows money is there for road upgrades if it suits the major parties.
Last week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Labor would invest $7.2 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway, north of Gympie, if re-elected.
Mr Dyson said the announcement shows south west Victorian roads are “once again being overlooked not for lack of need, or lack of money, just purely politics”.
“It’s great that there’s money for roads, but let’s see if funding extends outside of electorates in play for Labor at this next election - I’m not holding my breath,” he said.
“There’s no doubt the Bruce Highway needs upgrades, but wouldn’t it be nice if Wannon was seen as a key seat by the Federal Government and desperately needed upgrades of both the Princes Highway and Western Highway were on their radar.
“Both of these highways have been overlooked for decades by the major parties because they’re in a safe seat.”
Meanwhile, a $60 million election promise by the Liberal National government to fix the Princes Highway between Warrnambool and Port Fairy in 2019 never eventuated.
“Wouldn’t it be great if both major parties and all levels of government could put politics aside and work together to deliver what they’ve promised?” Mr Dyson said.
“Wannon is still waiting.”
Mr Dyson said Wannon had been a safe seat for too long and south west roads had suffered years of neglect as a result.
“This is why we need to shake up decades of complacent ‘safe seat’ politics,” he said.
“We’ve seen how community Independents across the country have driven practical outcomes by working constructively with all sides of politics.
“I promise to work hard with my communities and whoever is in government to fix our roads - it’s my top priority.
“It’s time to try a new approach, to stand up and get a better deal for Wannon.”
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