It’s been nine months since the federal government promised $2 million to help Indigo Shire Council find a way to get heavy vehicles out of Rutherglen’s main street, but the funding is yet to be released.
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Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester announced the commitment during the 2016 election campaign, supported by a $2 million contribution from the Victorian government.
Indigo Shire Mayor Jenny O’Conner said council had approached the minister to gain access to the federal funding.
“We were denied on that and we approached (Indi MP) Cathy McGowan directly about getting on with works that straight away would make a difference,” she said.
“We’re asking that money be freed up so we can get on with it.”
Ms McGowan wrote to Mr Chester before Christmas and has been lobbying since to find out when the funding would be made available.
“We understand the answer has been drafted, but it hasn’t gone to the minister yet,” she said.
“The money is for planning but also for some development work.
“It’s really, really disappointing and I hope it’s a glitch that can be solved as quickly as possible.”
Indigo Council has also recently secured $1.83 million for the Rutherglen Economic Revitalisation Project.
Ms McGowan said she was confident the federal funding for planning the heavy vehicle deviation route would come through, but the question was when.
“The minister has given me every assurance it’s in the system and speaking to the Victorian government, they are under the understanding it’s in the system as well,” she said.
“It should have happened months ago … I don’t understand why it hasn’t.”
A Department of Infrastructure spokesman did not answer questions about when the funding would be awarded.
“The consultation process is expected to result in a solution which best removes trucks from Rutherglen's town centre, which may include a heavy vehicle alternative route,” he said.
“Once the scope of works is agreed and the project is formally approved, Australian Government funding can be released.
“The Australian Government encourages Indigo Shire Council and VicRoads to continue working together to ensure this important project can start as soon as possible.”