Council & Politics
13 August, 2025
Big bucks to upgrade road
A significant freight corridor at the top end of Northern Grampians Shire is set to be upgraded thanks to a massive Federal Government cash injection.
Labor Senator Jana Stewart has announced that Wallaloo East Road will be upgraded after $2.12 million in critical infrastructure funding was secured from the Albanese Government coupled with $530,000 from council’s capital works program.
The project is one of 23 in regional and rural Australia receiving funding through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP), an initiative of the Albanese Government designed to increase productivity and make local roads and bridges safer and more resilient.
Wallaloo East Road, Wallaloo, has seen partial upgrades in stages to widen the road and this week’s funding announcement means more of the road will be widened and upgraded to meet the needs of the community.
The upgrade, which will be delivered by the Northern Grampians Shire Council, will rehabilitate and widen six kilometres of Wallaloo East Road to a 6.2 metre road width.
The works will also include upgrades to two intersections to allow usage by heavy vehicles.
The existing load limit of the road currently means only 68 tonne B-Double heavy vehicles can use this important freight route, however the upgraded road will facilitate the use of A-Double heavy vehicles, vastly increasing productivity for the surrounding area.
Once complete, the project will provide safety benefits to all road users by providing a wider and consistently sealed road that is free of potholes and other degradation.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King told the Stawell Times-News the upgrade was a genuine partnership between the government and council.
“It is really important to be partnering with Northern Grampians Shire deliver improved roads.
“We know farmers are trying to get their goods to market, people are trying to get their kids to school, tourists travelling through the area and being able to partner with local government to improve those local roads is part of our safer local roads and infrastructure program,” she said.
“We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to ensure local roads across the country, and right here in Western Victoria, get the investment they need.
“This funding will enable local councils like Northern Grampians Shire Council to improve road safety and allow more money and time to be spent on other priority projects,” Ms King said.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said she has been advocating for improvements to the Wallaloo East Road for some time.
“I’ve driven that road many times and I know how much this upgrade is needed. It’s a huge win for our local communities,” she said.
Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Karen Hyslop thanked the government for the much-needed funding.
“Council recognises the significance of improving the road’s condition and the impact that will have on road safety in the region,” she said.
Senator Jana Stewart said she was pleased the government recognised the significance of the project.
“Wallaloo East Road is a key agricultural freight route, with over 20,000 tonnes of grain carted over the existing road every year. This investment of over $2.12 million in funding from the Albanese Government will be welcome news for producers and freight operators.
“The upgrade will benefit all road users with the newly sealed road providing a smooth travel surface and reducing the risk of wear and tear on all vehicles that use the road,” Senator Stewart said.
Read More: Stawell