$12M budget win to make Victor Harbor Road safer

6 Oct 2020
Victor Road 2019 mark 2

After years of advocacy, Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has secured $12 million in the Federal Budget to upgrade the notoriously dangerous Victor Harbor Road.

The money will be used to build more overtaking lanes, over and above the lane promised last year by the State Government between Urimbirra Wildlife Park and the intersection of Crows Nest Road.

The money is part of a $625 million investment into transport infrastructure announced yesterday by the Government ahead of today's budget.

“Making the road between Mount Compass and Victor Harbor safer for our community has been one of my highest priorities since I first obtained office in 2016 so I am relieved that after years of negotiations the Government has acknowledged my advocacy and agreed to provide funding for this dangerous section of highway,” Rebekha said today.

“Last year’s budget announcement of $73 million to complete the duplication of the South Road to McLaren Vale section of the road was welcome but, as our community rightly pointed out, safety really needs to be improved at the other end.

“More overtaking lanes will ease congestion at peak times and assist in managing the ever-increasing traffic between Mount Compass and Victor Harbor.

“Australian road safety research clearly shows that passing lanes reduce road crashes, improve the operation of roads and improve driver behaviour which makes all motorists safer.

“The Victor Harbor Goolwa region is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in South Australia and on the Fleurieu, and it is the most visited day-trip destination outside the metropolitan area.

“I drive down the Victor Harbor Road regularly and I have seen first-hand how dangerous this section has become.

“RAA statistics show that 43 people were killed or seriously injured on a 48-kilometre stretch of Victor Harbor Road between 2012 and 2016, making it a high priority for the RAA.

“Fixing this road is a high priority for our community so I thank the Government for listening to us and committing this funding to get works done in a timely way.”

Federal Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann said the $12 million Australian Government funding commitment to construct overtaking lanes on Victor Harbor Road between Mount Compass and Victor Harbor would improve road safety for all users.

"Ms Sharkie has been a strong advocate for upgrades to Victor Harbor Road since 2016 and the Government has been pleased to work with her to deliver these critical upgrades as part of the 2020-21 Budget.

"The Government looks forward to continuing to work with the Member for Mayo to deliver more local infrastructure projects that make a real difference to the people that visit, live and work in Mayo."

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