Primary producers in the Golden Plains Shire now have better freight access to market for their heavy vehicles thanks to an important upgrade to a key access road as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Local Roads to Market Program.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today opened the $1.4 million upgrade to Tall Tree Road in Lethbridge which will provide a significant boost to the Golden Plains Food Production Precinct.

The project included widening, replacing and sealing a 5.7-kilometre section of Tall Tree Road, providing an improved connection to the wider road network.

The precinct is a 4,000-hectare area of farmland strategically located close to the Port of Geelong, Avalon and Lethbridge Airports, as well as Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat.

The road upgrade was funded with a $943,000 grant from the Labor Government’s Local Roads to Market Program, with the balance of $472,000 provided by the Golden Plains Shire Council.

The $25 million Local Roads to Market program is a key pillar of the government’s Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund to improve rural and regional road connections.

The Tall Tree Road upgrade is one of 77 projects, worth more than $40 million, to be delivered under the program.

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“The Tall Tree Road upgrade in Lethbridge shows how we’re boosting agribusiness and supply chain productivity alongside improving the country road network for all drivers.”

 “The Golden Plains precinct is an area of vibrant agricultural production and this road upgrade will benefit local primary producers as well as the wider community.

Quotes attributable to Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey

“Tall Tree Road is a key arterial road within the Golden Plains Food Production Precinct, and this upgrade has improved access for businesses, staff and neighbouring residents.

“This important road upgrade will also help accommodate future business expansion for the local agriculture industry.”