THE $1.8 million transformation of three Indigo Shire roads is complete.
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The sealing of the three gravel roads was a pre-election commitment made by Sophie Mirabella before she lost the seat of Indi in the 2013 poll.
The upgraded roads are Carlyle Road near Rutherglen, Soldiers Road near Barnawartha and Sanatorium Road between Yackandandah and Allans Flat.
Federal assistant minister for infrastructure and regional development Jamie Briggs said the upgrades would drive future economic growth and investment in the Indigo Shire.
“Sealing these roads is expected to reduce travel times and transport operating costs by 25 per cent," he said.
“It means local industry can get more of their products to market more quickly and keep growing their businesses.
“This completed project is another example of the Australian government prioritising the safety of motorists and improving economic opportunities for local residents and industry.”
National Party MP Barnaby Joyce travelled to Indi in the lead-up to the 2013 election to make the announcement of the funding for the three roads.
Mrs Mirabella welcomed the completion of the project which was fully funded by the federal government.
“After listening to the Indigo Shire, these vital upgrades were a key election commitment of mine in 2013,” she said.
“It’s great to see construction is now complete and the roads are open to traffic.
“The local economy in the Indigo Shire generates $629 million a year in gross regional product through beef, sheep, dairy, fruit and viticulture.
“This investment will help drive future growth.
“These upgrades will also save the Indigo Shire $10,000 per annum in reduced operating and maintenance costs.
“It means they can re-invest those resources into other priority projects.”
Work on the roads upgrades started in November last year and were recently completed with the exception of some minor intersection works on Soldiers Road.
A final seal will be put down later this year.
Cr Gaffney welcomed the upgrades.
“To raise $1.84 million would have been a major impost on the Indigo community,” he said.
“We are pleased that Sophie listened to our concern of road safety and economic benefit that has come with this road funding.
“These roads were identified by council as in need of immediate attention.”
Cr Gaffney has been touted as a National Party candidate in the seat of Indi at the next election due some time in 2016.
