SEATS today welcomes the announcement by the Victorian Government of funding allocations for the planning & design of recognised congestion and safety points within the Gippsland region.

SEATS has been supporting South Gippsland Shire Council to develop this Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Alternate Route which will support the increasing freight demand across the region, improve safety and reduce congestion in Leongatha CBD. Sustainable economic and social development across South Gippsland will be a critical outcome.

The South Gippsland Highway through Leongatha carries between 10,000 and 14,000 vehicles each day, including up to 1,100 commercial vehicles. Freight traffic has grown by 65% in recent years, driven by expansion in agriculture and industry. Some of this can be attributed to agri-businesses such as dairy processing pivoting operationally during the pandemic to create more streamlined supply chains. The relocation of the Victorian Livestock Exchange to nearby Koonwarra has also dramatically increased the number of heavy vehicles in the area.

This Stage 2 funding allocation will follow on from Stage 1 works completed in 2016.

The burgeoning renewable energy sector will also impact South Gippsland and is likely to see a further increase in Leongatha’s importance as a regional service centre and an increase in traffic volumes as result.

The Strzelecki Highway between Mirboo North and Leongatha will also be allocated funding to design upgrades to the highway that is well used by freight vehicles carrying agricultural produce into or through the South Gippsland area.