Local Government growth engine is expanding!
According to the 2016 census, Baw Baw Shire has an estimated population of 48,479 (as at 1 August 2017). The municipality is experiencing rapid residential growth with a 13.1 per cent growth rate between 2011 and 2016, or an increase of 5,616 people. Recent .idCommunity projections estimate the resident population as 50,687 as of 2017.
Population modelling has predicted the shire will continue growing at an annual rate of 2.3 per cent to reach 60,452 by 2026. It is expected Baw Baw Shire will have 71,683 residents by 2036, having grown at a rate of over 1.7 per cent annually over the previous decade.
Baw Baw Shire is approximately 100 kilometres east of Melbourne in the heart of West Gippsland. It has an area of 4,034 square kilometres and was formed in 1994 from the amalgamation of the former Buln Buln and Narracan Shires, the Rural City of Warragul (previously the Shire of Warragul), and some parts of the Shire of Upper Yarra. The northern half of the shire is heavily forested and lies in the Great Dividing Range and its foothills, including the Mt Baw Baw National Park, while the shire is bounded by the Strzelecki Range and its foothills to the south. The ‘middle’ part of the shire is more densely populated, particularly in areas close to the Princes Highway and the Gippsland railway line, but still retains its rural environment.
Baw Baw is bordered by South Gippsland, Cardinia, Yarra Ranges, Mansfield and Wellington Shires, with the City of Latrobe completing the cohort of neighbours.
Introduction to the “Baw Baw Shire Transport Infrastructure Package”
The Baw Baw shire has identified 11 transport infrastructure projects which will ensure the growth Shire continues to expand for industry and the community. Key features are the duplication of the Princes Highway between Drouin and Warragul, and the duplication of the rail between Drouin and Pakenham. Road safety is paramount and all projects enhance the safety of our regional community. The package of transport infrastructure projects show the depth of planning with the input of many stakeholders. SEATS are proud to support the Baw Baw Transport Infrastructure Package as a SEATS Priority.
Transport Infrastructure Project Name
- Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul
- Additional Rail Crossing in Drouin
- Buln Buln Road Interchange
- Dollarburn Road Extension
- Drouin Bypass
- First and Last Mile
- Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities
- Howitt Street Warragul
- South Face Road Sealing
- Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland
- Trafalgar Crossing Removal
Project Description
Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul: Princes Highway runs between the two main towns in the shire, Warragul and Drouin. It is a single line, highly used road. Duplication of the primary link between Drouin and Warragul townships.
Additional Rail Crossing in Drouin: Drouin currently has four rail crossings. However only one of these rail crossings – indicated by the green arrow in the figure below – caters for arterial traffic and transport movement in a north-south direction. With four rail crossings in Drouin, consideration for an additional crossing or changes to existing crossings to assist removing freight carrying heavy vehicles from having to travel through the Drouin.
Buln Buln Road Interchange: The purpose of this project would be to provide a third access/egress point onto the Princes Highway for the Drouin Township. In addition, it would cater for the future extension and upgrade of Dollarburn Road as an alternate collector/arterial route for Warragul and Warragul North to access Princes Highway.
Dollarburn Road Extension: Extension of Dollarburn Road, Warragul to Buln Buln Road, Drouin through the purchase and designation of land for road reserve to enable road to be constructed.
Drouin Bypass: The purpose of this project is to deliver a north-south route for the Baw Baw Municipality linking the arterial network of the Princes Highway to the arterial network of the South Gippsland Highway/Bass Highway. The key benefits are decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township. This bypass would not only service the broader freight requirements across Baw Baw and the broader Gippsland region, but also assist with the transport requirements following the future expansion of the industrial precinct and key strategic developments, such as the establishment of regional saleyards in the Longwarry area. The creation of a higher-class arterial road utilising existing road reserves of Gardener-Holman Drive/Wellwood Road/McGlones Road including access onto Princes Highway. Whilst it is proposed to create a bypass of the township to the west of Drouin to provide for the future commercial/industrial expansion of Longwarry – the proposed by bypass would have similar, if not equal merit, if it bypassed the Drouin township to the east.
First and Last Mile: Critical to supporting industry within the region, consideration for the first and last mile connections off arterial networks to allow industry to operate and compete within the region is critical for their long-term sustainability and the safety of all road users. This project will see the upgrade of local road networks that connect the factory or farm gate to the broader transport system.
Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities: This project will upgrade the six priority roads in our Shire. The roads and description of works are:
Yarragon Leongatha Road – widen, stabilise, seal shoulders and unsealed sections of the road between Yarragon and Allambee.
Jacksons Track – widen, stabilise and seal the road in Jindivick.
Main South Road – widen, stabilise and seal 7kms of the road.
Old Sale Road – widen, stabilise, seal and tree removal of sections of the road between Drouin and Westbury.
O’Briens Road – widen, stabilise and seal road near Westbury.
Jindivick Neerim South Road – widen, stabilise and seal road between Jindivick and Neerim.
Howitt Street Warragul: An infrastructure solution that addresses the congestion and safety issues at the Howitt Street/Korumburra – Warragul Road/Bona Vista Road/Landsborough Street Roundabout could include changing the roundabout to a signalised intersection, redesign of the roundabout to improve delineation and safe movement throughout the intersection increasing capacity of traffic volumes along Howitt Street. In addition to this significant upgrade of Howitt Street, as well as the Burke Street and Howitt Street intersection signalisation.
South Face Road Sealing: South Face Road is a 25km unsealed road which connects to the Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort. The road provides a more direct and less winding route than the sealed but precarious, Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road. Sealing of 25.3km of unsealed road to facilitate improved access and year-round use of the road for timber harvesting and provide an additional exit off Mt Baw Baw during an emergency.
Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland: The Gippsland Rail runs through the shire with stations at Longwarry, Drouin, Warragul, Yarragon and Trafalgar. It connects the Shire to the suburbs of Melbourne and eventually into the CBD. Gippsland’s rail is the slowest and most unreliable regional service in Victoria. In 2016 the fastest service from Warragul to Melbourne was 88 minutes, six minutes slower than the same journey in 1990. V/Line trains are often delayed closer to Melbourne as they share the track with metropolitan services.
Trafalgar Crossing Removal: This project will see the removal of the level crossing at Ashby Street and Princes Highway, Trafalgar. The current level crossing causes significant disruptions to traffic along the Princes Highway when in operation.
Project Justification
Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul: Regional Roads Victoria recently undertook a planning project, Future Transport for Warragul and Drouin, in which congestion if the Drouin Town Centre was identified as a priority issue. With significant population located within these townships, duplication of the primary connection will assist managing traffic movements and increase traffic safety along this connection.
Additional Rail Crossing in Drouin: Removal of the need for trucks and heavy freight to cross the trainline via the main crossing within the Drouin town centre is critical to improve road safety, freight travel times and decrease traffic movements of heavy vehicles within Drouin.
Buln Buln Road Interchange: A new interchange would provide significantly improved access to the Princes Freeway for a large residential catchment in Drouin. It would also ease congestion within the township of Drouin and allow easier and quicker access to the Princes Freeway for heavy vehicles.
Dollarburn Road Extension: This connection between the growth cities of Warragul and Drouin will alleviate the growing pressure on Princes Way, the existing road link. With a proposal to construct an interchange at Buln Buln Road (see Project 5a), this road link would provide significantly improved access to the Princes Freeway for a large residential catchment in the northern and western parts of Warragul as well as for a large portion of Drouin.
Drouin Bypass: This project would create a bypass for the town of Drouin, alleviating the extreme traffic pressure currently placed on the town centre. The current alignment on Westernport Road/Main South Road requires heavy vehicles, carrying freight, quarry materials, livestock and other agricultural products, to access or egress the Princes Highway to travel in either a north or south direction to/from South Gippsland Highway. Currently, all traffic using Westernport Road/Main South Road must travel through the township of Drouin. The capacity of the existing arterial network within the Drouin township is insufficient, when factoring in current traffic volumes and the expected increase in vehicle volumes.
First and Last Mile: Industries which could directly benefit from first and last mile projects include primary producers (e.g. meat processing), dairy processors (e.g. Darnum), quarries (e.g. Neerim North). The viability and competitiveness of these operations is influenced by their ability to transport goods to market, preferably using high-productivity vehicles where the road network can safely cater for them.
Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities: Baw Baw Shire is a highly productive agricultural area with considerable dairy, forestry and mining activities being undertaken. To improve efficiency, access and use of high productivity freight vehicles, outdated roads and bridges need to be upgraded. Within Baw Baw Shire and across the Gippsland region there are significant detour and weight restrictions placed on roads and bridges. These restrictions often restrict the production capacity of agriculture and manufacturing industries throughout the region. Completed upgrades of the six roads will provide clear connections without load restrictions to the Princes Highway, the main arterial road for freight in the region. Over the last five-year period there have been several road casualty accidents reported along the six roads. Upgrades to all will greatly improve conditions and reduce the level of road trauma on the Baw Baw community.
Howitt Street Warragul: Regional Roads Victoria recently undertook a planning project, Future Transport for Warragul and Drouin, in which a key priority of signalising the intersection of Burke Street and Howitt Street was identified. The proposal includes construction of a signalised intersection at Burke Street and Howitt Street, reducing the Freeway roundabout from two lanes to one lane, and improved cycling facilities between the two intersections.
South Face Road Sealing: Sealing of this section of unsealed road will provide greater access and safety improvements for the timber harvesting that currently is undertaken off this road. Furthermore, it will provide an additional sealed exit path from Mt Baw Baw during emergency situations (bushfires). There will also be freight improvements by sealing the road to enable the delivery of goods and services to Mt Baw Baw especially during the winter months.
Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland: This project will increase the capacity to provide rail services to Gippsland for the movement of freight and passengers. This will make rail a viable alternative to road for a larger portion of Gippsland residents and businesses, and this alternative is expected to be taken up even more so due to the population growth in the region.
Trafalgar Crossing Removal: The removal of this level crossing will bring significant benefits in terms of alleviating congestion and improving safety. This location frequently experiences congestion which impacts both the north-south movements towards Willow Grove and Thorpdale as well as the east-west movement along the Princes Highway. This project will provide greater linkages and increased access for vehicles throughout the SEATS network to navigate the important town of Trafalgar. Removal of the the level crossing in Trafalgar will provide significant time savings for all traffic along the Princes Highway. It will also allow easy passage for trucks and heavy freight to cross the trainline and access the towns north of the Princes Highway.
Existing Conditions and Issues
Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul: The towns of Warragul and Drouin are experiencing rapid periods of population growth placing huge pressures on Princes Highway, the major road connecting the two towns. In its current single lane state, Princes Highway is unable to adequately cope with the traffic loads between Drouin and Warragul. The state of the current road is not ideal for heavy vehicles, include those for industry, emergency and school buses which make regular journeys along the road. The capacity of the existing arterial network between the towns of Drouin and Warragul is insufficient, when factoring in current traffic volumes and the expected increase in vehicle volumes.
Buln Buln Road Interchange: The town of Drouin is growing fast with many new estates and houses being constructed in the area near Buln Buln Road. At present, there are two freeway interchanges that service Drouin. One at the far east of the town, and the other at the far west. Buln Buln Road in located roughly in-between the two interchanges. There is potential to use the existing run off areas at Buln Buln Road to create an interchange. Currently, all traffic exiting and entering the Princes Freeway must use an interchange at either end of the township of Drouin. The capacity of the existing arterial network within the Drouin township is insufficient, when factoring in current traffic volumes and the expected increase in vehicle volumes.
Dollarburn Road Extension: Dollarburn Road connects to Brandy Creek Road in the north of the Warragul township, just above the many housing developments of the town. The road continues for just over two kilometres, running parallel with Princes Way towards Drouin. There is an option to purchase and designate land for road reserve to enable an extension of the road to be constructed. Such an extension would connect Dollarburn Road to Buln Buln Road creating another road link between Warragul and Drouin. This connection between the growth cities of Warragul and Drouin will alleviate the growing pressure on Princes Way, the existing road link.
Drouin Bypass: The population of Drouin is growing fast and will continue to grow for many years to come. At present, all traffic coming into Drouin from the South and West must enter via the town centre. This has created bottlenecks and an area of high traffic congestion. The current alignment on Westernport Road/Main South Road requires heavy vehicles, carrying freight, quarry materials, livestock and other agricultural products, to access or egress the Princes Highway to travel in either a north or south direction to/from South Gippsland Highway. Currently, all traffic using Westernport Road/Main South Road must travel through the township of Drouin. The capacity of the existing arterial network within the Drouin township is insufficient, when factoring in current traffic volumes and the expected increase in vehicle volumes.
First and Last Mile: Baw Baw Shire is a highly productive agricultural area with considerable dairy, forestry and mining activities undertaken. To improve efficiency, access and use of high productivity freight vehicles, outdated First and Last Mile road infrastructure needs to be updated. Fonterra is located on Darnum Park Road, just under two kilometres from the Princes Freeway. Upgrading this section of road between the plant and the freeway will provide better access. Neerim North Quarry is on Neerim North Road in Neerim North. It is the leading quarry in the Shire with regular heavy loads being transported from the site. All these roads are significant industry routes used by heavy vehicles. The condition of the roads results in disruption and delays to the local economy.
Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities: Yarragon Leongatha Road – some sections include a two-lane sealed road with others being unsealed. The road is in poor condition needing to be stabilised, re- sealed and sealed. Shoulders on the road are in need of being widened and sealed.
Jacksons Track – a two-lane sealed road. The road is in poor condition needing to be stabilised and re-sealed.
Main South Road – a two-lane sealed road. The road is in poor condition needing to be stabilised, widened and re-sealed.
Old Sale Road – services a significant volume of commercial and non-commercial traffic. The seal width varies between 5.0m to 8.8m and is subject to shoulder drop-offs and edge breaks. Some of the existing road seal pavement is near the end of its useful life. A significant portion of the roadway is heavily vegetated, restricting line of sight for vehicle drivers. There have been eight accidents in the past five years, including one fatality.
O’Briens Road – a two-lane sealed road. The road is in poor condition needing to be stabilised, widened and re- sealed.
indivick Neerim South Road – a two-lane sealed road. The road is in poor condition needing to be stabilised, widened and re-sealed.
All six roads are significant industry routes used by heavy vehicles. The condition of the roads results in disruption and delays to the local economy.
Howitt Street Warragul: The roundabout at the freeway exit is prone to congestion and safety concerns. Along with the freeway interchange, three other roads converge on the roundabout. There is a need for improvements to address these issues. The intersection of Burke and Howitt Streets, further along Howitt Street towards the town of Warragul is currently controlled with a give way sign. On the corner of this intersection is a new bulky goods retail precinct precinct. Further along Burke Street are four school, the Warragul Leisure Centre and public parks. The intersection is an extremely busy one and the current give way signs in place do not serve it adequately. It is believed that traffic signals would be more appropriate. All six roads are significant industry routes used by heavy vehicles. The condition of the roads results in disruption and delays to the local economy.
South Face Road Sealing: The Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road is precarious and winding. It is a single lane asphalt road, with limited verges for passing oncoming traffic. It is used frequently used by logging trucks, thereby rendering it a high-risk route for tourists and the general community. South Face Road, while providing a more direct and less winding route to Mt Baw Baw, is a forestry road. It is uneven and not sealed and is therefore difficult for domestic and commercial vehicles to utilise and unstable for construction traffic. Buses generally will not use the road until it is sealed. South Face Road is an industry route used by heavy vehicles. The condition of the road results in disruption and delays to the local economy.
Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland: Gippsland’s rail is the slowest and most unreliable regional service in Victoria. In 2016 the fastest service from Warragul to Melbourne was 88 minutes, six minutes slower than the same journey in 1990. V/Line trains are often delayed closer to Melbourne as they share the track with metropolitan services. Gippsland’s travel times compare poorly with Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong. This limits residents’ access to high-value CBD jobs, specialist health services, and tertiary education. With no time advantage over road, poor rail services add to increasing road congestion. High-speed, reliable rail could also create new opportunities for business, education and trade.
Transport Linkages
Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul: Duplicating Princes Highway between Warragul and Drouin would provide significantly improved access to the between the two towns. It would also ease congestion within the township of Drouin and allow easier and quicker access to the Princes Freeway for heavy vehicles.
Buln Buln Road Interchange: A new interchange would provide significantly improved access to the Princes Freeway for a large residential catchment in Drouin. It would also ease congestion within the township of Drouin and allow easier and quicker access to the Princes Freeway for heavy vehicles.
Dollarburn Road Extension: Extending Dollarburn Road would provide significantly improved access to the between Warragul and Drouin.
It would also ease congestion within the township of Drouin and allow easier and quicker access to the Princes Freeway for heavy vehicles.
Drouin Bypass: The purpose of this project is to deliver a north-south route for the Baw Baw Municipality linking the arterial network of the Princes Highway to the arterial network of the South Gippsland Highway/Bass Highway. The creation of a higher-class arterial road utilising existing road reserves of Gardener-Holman Drive/Wellwood Road/McGlones Road including access onto Princes Highway. Whilst it is proposed to create a bypass of the township to the west of Drouin to provide for the future commercial/industrial expansion of Longwarry – the proposed by bypass would have similar, if not equal merit, if it bypassed the Drouin township to the east.
First and Last Mile: All of these projects eventually feed on to the Princes Highway, the main road to the market in the area. Within our Shire, there are two meat processing plants and two milk processing plants. All of these are within easy access of the Princes Highway.
Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities: All of the six roads are arterial roads which eventually feed on to the Princes Highway, the main road to the market in the area. Within our Shire, there are two meat processing plants and two milk processing plants. All of these are within easy access of the Princes Highway.
Howitt Street Warragul: Howitt Street provides a direct link into Warragul from the Princes Freeway. The roundabout at the freeway interchange is very busy, also providing a link to the new estates south of Warragul.
Further along Howitt Street, towards Warragul is the busy Burke Street intersection. Upgrading road infrastructure, including traffic signals, would ease congestion within the township of Warragul and allow easier and quicker access to the Princes Freeway for heavy vehicles.
South Face Road Sealing: South Face Road connects to Thomson Valley Road, which turns into Moe Rawson Road, ultimately connecting to the town of Moe and to the Princes Freeway.
Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland: The Gippsland rail line runs from Bairnsdale through to the Melbourne CBD. Within Baw Baw Shire there are five train stations.
The train line links with the metropolitan Melbourne rail network and has numerous bus and tram linkages along the way.
Partnerships
Potential Partnerships Government
- Regional Rail Victoria
- V Line
- Regional Roads Victoria
- Victorian State Government • Federal Government
- SEATS
- Roles from each partner could include funding, planning, support, advocacy and advice.
Potential Partnership Industries
The industries to benefit from a Drouin bypass include:
- Agriculture – including beef, lamb, horticulture
- Forestry
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Professional Services
Transport/General Freight
Agriculture
Dairy
Quarrying
Mining
Manufacturing
Tourism
Key Attributes
Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul: The key economic benefits a Princes Highway duplication would provide are; decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin and Warragul. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin and Warragul for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township. The extension would not only benefit the broader freight requirements across Baw Baw and the broader Gippsland region.
Buln Buln Road Interchange: The key economic benefits a Buln Buln Road interchange would provide are; decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township. The interchange would not only service the broader freight requirements across Baw Baw and the broader Gippsland region.
Dollarburn Road Extension: The key economic benefits a Dollarburn Road extension would provide are; decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin and Warragul. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin and Warragul for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township. The extension would not only benefit the broader freight requirements across Baw Baw and the broader Gippsland region.
Drouin Bypass: The key economic benefits a Drouin bypass would provide are; decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township. This bypass would not only service the broader freight requirements across Baw Baw and the broader Gippsland region, but also assist with the transport requirements following the future expansion of the industrial precinct and key strategic developments, such as the establishment of regional saleyards in the Longwarry area.
First and Last Mile: Improved co-ordination of First and Last Mile infrastructure and economic planning across the Baw Baw Shire, will see an overall improvement in the transport network and provide Baw Baw Shire and Gippsland with a competitive advantage and reduced transport costs. The ability for producers and industry to transport products safely and in a timely manner will have benefits to the economy in our Shire and beyond. Council will conduct a full business case and cost benefit analysis for projects.
Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities: Council has conducted a full business case and cost benefit analysis for the Old Sale Road project. The economic impact is listed below and indicate significant economic benefits. Council expects similar results for all five other roads.
Howitt Street Warragul: The key economic benefits upgrading road infrastructure along Howitt Street would provide are; decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Warragul. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Warragul for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township. The extension would not only benefit the broader freight requirements across Baw Baw and the broader Gippsland region.
South Face Road Sealing: There have been full business cases and cost benefit analysis for the sealing of South Face Road. Improve the financial viability of Mt Baw Baw through increased visitor yield due to the improved road safety and visitor access to the resort. Sealing of this section of unsealed road will provide greater access and safety improvements for the timber harvesting that currently is undertaken off this road. Furthermore, it will provide an additional sealed exit path from Mt Baw Baw during emergency situations (bushfires). There will also be freight improvements by sealing the road to enable the delivery of goods and services to Mt Baw Baw especially during the winter months. The ability for producers and industry to transport products safely and in a timely manner will have benefits to the economy in our Shire and beyond.
Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland: The key economic benefits a duplication to Gippsland Rail Line would provide are; decreased travel times for commuters travelling to metropolitan Melbourne. Improved capacity and safety on the rail networks. Quicker and more efficient journeys to the CBD allowed by a rail duplication would likely attract more people to live in our shire, further boosting the local economy. The duplication would not only benefit the broader freight requirements across Baw Baw and the broader Gippsland region.
Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul: The duplication will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
Additional Rail Crossing in Drouin: An additional rail crossing will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
Buln Buln Road Interchange: The upgrade will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
Dollarburn Road Extension: The extension will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
Drouin Bypass: The upgrade will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
First and Last Mile: The upgrade will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities: The upgrade will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
Howitt Street Warragul: The upgrade will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
South Face Road Sealing: The upgrade will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland: The duplication will address general rail safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local community. It is anticipated rail delays and incidents will be reduced.
Trafalgar Crossing Removal: Removing the Trafalgar level crossing will address general road safety, and efficiency and productivity issues experienced by the local agriculture industry and commercial vehicle operators. It is anticipated road accidents will be reduced.
Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul: A Princes Highway duplication between Drouin and Warragul will provide road users will greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved road conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier. The key benefits are decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin and Warragul. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin and Warragul for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township.
Buln Buln Road Interchange: A Buln Buln Road interchange will provide road users will greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved road conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier. The key benefits are decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township.
Dollarburn Road Extension: A Dollarburn Road extension will provide road users will greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved road conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier. The key benefits are decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin and Warragul. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin and Warragul for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township.
Drouin Bypass: A Drouin bypass will provide road users will greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved road conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier. The key benefits are decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township.
First and Last Mile: Upgrades to all of these roads will provide road users will greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved road conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier.
Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities: Upgrades to all six of these roads will provide road users will greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved road conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier.
Howitt Street Warragul: Upgrading Howitt Street will provide road users will greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved road conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier. The key benefits are decreased travel times for freight vehicles due to congestion within Drouin and Warragul. Improved capacity and safety within the arterial road network both in and around Drouin and Warragul for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger vehicles, with the deviation of heavy vehicles from the township.
South Face Road Sealing: Sealing South Face Road will provide road users will greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved road conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier.
Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland: A Gippsland rail duplication commuters greater access into the towns in our Shire. This will result in easier trips to retail precincts, enhancing the prospect of economic spend in our towns. The improved rail conditions will also make access to health and education facilities much easier. The key benefits are decreased travel times for commuters. Improved capacity and safety within the rail network and a reduction of traffic on the roads.
Trafalgar Crossing Removal: The removal of this level crossing will bring significant benefits in terms of alleviating congestion and improving safety. This location frequently experiences congestion which impacts both the north-south movements towards Willow Grove and Thorpdale as well as the east-west movement along the Princes Highway.
Road Duplication Drouin to Warragul: A duplication of Princes Highway between Drouin and Warragul will result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. Significant cost savings will also be experienced.
Buln Buln Road Interchange: A Buln Buln Road interchange will result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. Significant cost savings will also be experienced.
Dollarburn Road Extension: A Dollarburn Road extension will result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. Significant cost savings will also be experienced.
Drouin Bypass: A Drouin bypass will result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. Significant cost savings will also be experienced.
First and Last Mile: Upgrades to First and Last Mile projects would result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. Significant cost savings will also be experienced.
Gippsland Regional Road Group Network Priorities: For the Old Sale Road project, we have undertaken a detailed business case and have found the upgrade would result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. It is projected there will be time cost savings for commercial vehicle operators $1.14m and reduced commercial vehicle operating costs $2.90m. It is estimated that commercial vehicles will save approximately 400-500 hours per year in travel times on an upgraded Old Sale Road. While detailed investigations into the other five roads is yet to take place, we are confident similar significant improvements will be made.
Howitt Street Warragul: A Howitt Street upgrade will result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. Significant cost savings will also be experienced.
South Face Road Sealing: Sealing South Face Road will result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. Significant cost savings will also be experienced.
Rail Duplication between Pakenham and Gippsland: A duplication of the Gippsland rail network will result in substantial time savings, providing greater access to markets for operators. Significant cost savings will also be experienced.
Letters of Endorsement
- Mayor of Baw Baw Shire
- Chair of SEATS
- Owner of transport company
- Baw Baw Shire Business Chamber