MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2014 AT THE MUNICIPAL OFFICE 34 LYLE STREET WARRACKNABEAL AT 9:30 AM
1 WELCOME
2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today and pay our respect to both past and present elders.
3 PRAYER
Almighty God, without whom no Council can stand nor anything prosper we ask that you be present and guide us in our deliberations today. We pray that we will be fair in our judgements and wise in our actions and that decisions will be made with goodwill and a clear conscience for the betterment and welfare of the people of Yarriambiack Shire. Amen
4 PRESENT
Crs A McLean, R Kingston, K Zanker, G Massey, L Woods, H Ballentine, T Grange, Ray Campling (Chief Executive Officer), James Magee (Director Infrastructure & Planning) and Helen Pollard (Administration Assistant)
5 APOLOGIES
6 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Ordinary Meeting of Council – 23 July 2014
Moved Cr G Massey seconded Cr T Grange the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 23 July 2014 be confirmed.
Carried
Closed Session of Council – 23 July 2014
Moved Cr L Woods seconded Cr K Zanker the Minutes of the Closed Session of Council held on 23 July 2014 be confirmed.
Carried
YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
7 DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
8 BUSINESS ARISING
8.1 Action List from last meeting
Moved Cr R Kingston seconded by Cr T Grange that Council write a letter to Wimmera Mail Times Veteran, Keith Lockwood for his retirement in journalism after more than 45 years in the industry.
Letter sent 4 August 2014 – Ref Bs:176-14, P100/12
8.2 Ongoing and Pending Action List
9 PETITIONS
10 REPORTS
Corporate Reports
10.1 Mayor’s Report 10.2 Councillor’s Reports 10.3 Chief Executive Officer – Activity Report 10.4 Director Infrastructure & Planning Report 10.5 Capital Works Program Report 10.6 Community Services Report 10.7 Infrastructure Services Report
11 REPORTS FOR DECISION
11.1 Annual Report – Financial Statement 2013/2014 11.2 Leadership Statement ‘Prevention of Violence against Women’ 11.3 SHARE Community Grants Program 11.4 Concrete Sill in Wimmera River 11.5 Regulator Levee Bank in Yarriambiack Creek 11.6 Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy 11.7 Celebrating Young People Youth Grants, Round 17
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10.1 Mayor’s Report – prepared by Andrew McLean
31 July Attended the ‘Leading Change’ breakfast at Ararat. Put on by Act@Work to lead community change by challenging sexism, discrimination and violence against women. Guest speakers
were Chief Commissioner, Ken Lay, Police Commissioner Victoria, Mary Wooldridge MP, Minister for Community Services and Darren Crocker, North Melbourne Football Club
01 August Attended the Grampians Central Waste Management Group Forum at Ararat (first meeting of the Board to be held Friday 29 August)
05 August Officially opened the Country Women’s Association Conference in Hopetoun
06 – 07 August Attended the Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed
11 August Attended Hopetoun Community Consultation
12 August Attended the launch of the new Rural Northwest Health Cancer Resource Nurse Initiative at the Hopetoun Campus
13 August Council Forum
13 August Conducted Citizenship Ceremony in Warracknabeal
14 August Attended the 100 years of Red Cross Birthday Celebrations at the Hopetoun Campus of Rural Northwest Health
19 August Attended the Community Consultation Evening at Lubeck
22 August Conducted Citizenship Ceremony in Warracknabeal
26 August Attended the Municipal Association of Victoria Insurance Risk Management Workshop in Warracknabeal
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10.2 Councillor’s Reports
Cr H Ballentine
03 August Supported the Hopetoun Patchwork Group by visiting their three
day display
05 August Supported the ‘Ice’ information evening in Hopetoun (good to up
skill the naive)
06 August Attended Speed Lions Mallee Machinery Field Days
10 August Attended launch of book called Birds & Plants of Little Desert at
Nhill
11 August Attended Hopetoun Community Consultative Meeting
12 August GWMWater Recreational Water Users Group Meeting in
Horsham
13 August Council Forum
25 August Attended Yarriambiack Tourism Meeting at Woomelang
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Cr G Massey
28 July Attended Yarriambiack Chaplaincy Committee Meeting at
Beulah
02 August Attended Yarrilinks Tree Plant at Rupanyup
04 August Attended the Warracknabeal Town Hall Committee Meeting with Sally Hirst
07 August Attended Speed Lions Mallee Machinery Field Days
08 August Attended the Wimmera Regional Library Committee Meeting in Horsham
11 August Attended Hopetoun Community Consultative Meeting at Hopetoun
12 August Attended Creek Development Committee Public Meeting in Warracknabeal re camping beside creek
13 August Council Forum
15 August Launch of Rural Northwest Health Cancer Resource Nurse Initiative in Warracknabeal
19 August Attended Lubeck Community Consultative Meeting at Lubeck
Cr K Zanker
27 July Attended the Wimmera 2030 Hypothetical
29 July Attended Mildura Rural Financial Counselling Service Strategic
Planning Day with Steve Bowman
02 August Attended the Yarrilinks Dinner
08 August Met with CEO Volunteering Western Victoria – Various matters
11 August Attended the Volunteering Western Victoria Finance Committee
Meeting
11 August Chaired the Racecourse Reserve Tri-annual Meeting
12 August Invited to attend and speak to the Warracknabeal Cubs
regarding Local Government and the role of a Councillor
13 August Council Forum
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Cr L Woods
23 July Hosted Yarriambiack Urban Professionals Dinner
24 July Breakfast with Andrew Broad; Andrew Broad MP spoke at
Warracknabeal Action Group’s (WAG) Breakfast Meeting
05 August Hopetoun 'Ice' Forum
06 August Attended Warracknabeal Community Action Network Meeting
12 August Attended ‘WORDS’ Project Meeting in Warracknabeal
12 August Facilitated Yarriambiack Tourism Social Media Training
13 August Council Forum
19 August Chaired Wimmera Drug Action Taskforce Warracknabeal
Meeting
25 August Yarriambiack Tourism Meeting
Cr R Kingston
23 July Attended Murtoa Historical Society Meeting
30 July Chaired Lighting the Regions Project Control Group Meeting at
Donald
02 August Yarrilinks planting day and dinner as site leader
03 August Hosted Yarrilinks farm visit
11 August Attended opening of Cannum CFA shed by the Hon Hugh
Delahunty
11 August Attended opening of North Wimmera CFA shed by the Hon
Hugh Delahunty
11 August Chaired Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance Meeting at
St Arnaud
13 August Council Forum
14 – 15 August Livestock Saleyard Association of Victoria Conference in
Melbourne
17 August Lubeck Community Consultation
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Cr T Grange
23 July Formal Council Meeting
25 – 27 July Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Councillor Development
Forum at Creswick
28 July MAV Taskforce on Financial Assistance Grants Scheme (FAGS)
freeze and rate capping in Melbourne
29 July Met with constituents – various matters
06 – 07 August Speed Mallee Machinery Field Days
08 August Wimmera & Southern Mallee Regional Transport Group
Committee Meeting in Horsham
11 August Hopetoun Community Engagement Visitation at Hopetoun
12 August U3A Open Day at Minyip
13 August Wimmera Development Association Board Meeting in Horsham
13 August Council Forum
14 August U3A Open Day at Murtoa
19 August Lubeck Community Engagement Visitation
20 August Meeting with Council colleagues in Horsham – various matters
20 August Attended A & P Society Meeting in Minyip
25 August Yarriambiack Tourism Meeting at Woomelang
26 August MAV Insurance Risk Management Workshop at Warracknabeal
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10.3 Chief Executive Officer, Activity Report – Prepared by Ray Campling
With Councillors attended meeting with Federal Member for Mallee, Andrew Broad
Attended Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN Meeting in Horsham – expansion of ‘Lets Read’ program into Hindmarsh and West Wimmera
Met with newly appointed Buloke Shire, CEO, John Hicks
Met with Brad Ead – Council’s Internal Auditor
Met with Madeline Jones, Secretary Grampians Regional Management Committee – Future Projects
Met with Grant Wiltshire, Regional Development Victoria – Local Government Infrastructure Program – Grant Applications
Attended Wimmera Development Association (WDA) Internal Audit Meeting
Met with Brad Ostermeyer, Executive Director, Infrastructure Development, Regional Development Victoria – funding Warracknabeal, Hopetoun and Patchewollock aerodromes
Attended Mallee Field Days at Speed on Thursday, 7 August 2014
Met with Jo Bourke, WDA – various matters
Attended Rural Councils Victoria Executive Committee Meeting in Melbourne – RCV Strategic Plan 2014 – 2016, RCV Forum and RCV Sustainability Project
With Mayor Andrew McLean attended Leading Change Breakfast in Ararat
With Councillors and staff, attended a very successful Community Engagement Visit at Hopetoun
Met with BRACE, Education and Training Personnel – Staff and Councillor training
With Cr Terry Grange attended WDA Meeting in Horsham
Attended Victorian Grants Committee Meeting in Horsham
Attended Grampians Regional Management Forum in Ararat
Guest Speaker at Warracknabeal Rotary
Attended Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Growth Plan Project Steering Committee Meeting in Horsham
With Councillors and staff attended Lubeck Community Engagement Visit Attended Grampians Regional Management Forum in Ararat
Attended Wimmera Council’s Shared Services Session at Sylvania Park, Longerenong
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10.4 Director Infrastructure & Planning Report – Prepared by James Magee
Rail Upgrade to Murtoa Hopetoun Line
After the last State budget, an announcement was made regarding another upgrade to the Hopetoun Murtoa rail spur. Significant amounts of red gum sleepers are arriving daily.
The works are projected to cost $10 million with $7.5 million on sleeper replacement. Level crossing works will be completed to the value of $1.3 million.
Some rail replacement formation and drainage works will also be actioned. The majority of the project will be completed by the end of the year.
Murray Basin Rail Project
Murray Basin Freight Demand & Infrastructure Study
A study released in July has identified options for increasing the versatility of Victorian’s rail network. The options are listed below:
The four intrastate rail network change options considered were:-
Option 1 - A new rail link Lascelles to Hopetoun (approx. 27km) plus gauge standardisation, Lascelles to Yelta (approx.187km);
Option 2 - A new rail link Litchfield to Minyip (approx. 35km) plus gauge standardisation, Donald to Yelta (approx. 294km);
Option 3 - Gauge standardisation, Gheringhap to Yelta plus the Sea Lake and Manangatang, Branch Lines (approx. 936km); and
Option 4 - Gauge standardisation, Maryborough to Yelta plus the Sea Lake and Manangatang Branch Lines (approx. 859km) and the refurbishment of the Maryborough to Ararat line.
Two of the options, option 1 & 2, are located within Yarriambiack Shire. They provide the most direct access to Portland from the northwest and are the cheapest options. Options 3 & 4 involve standardisation of the whole system and hence are considerably more expensive but provide greater flexibility and options overall.
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Community Projects – Prepared by David Thompson
Abbreviations: EOI = Expression of interest funding application to RDV RDV = Regional Development Victoria/Department of State Development, Business and Innovation DOT = Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure
Beulah Hall Kitchen Upgrade and Beulah Multi-purpose Centre Upgrade Joint Project
Adequate local funding for the hall kitchen has been donated The final application was lodged on 7 May 2014 RDV funding of $37,000 for this $50,850 project was announced on 17 July 2014 A planning meeting for the implementation of the works was held on 22 July 2014
Brim Flagpole Rehabilitation
Funding of $3,135 was received from Veterans’ Affairs $500 was received from Horsham Sports and Community Club The works have been completed
Hopetoun RSL Building Upgrade
This project has a high level of local support with Hopetoun Lionesses, Red Cross and Happy Helpers keen to use the upgraded building A wide range of local donations have been received A final funding application was submitted to RDV on 25 March 2014 RDV funding of $30,000 for this $47,000 project was announced on 2 July 2014 A planning meeting for the implementation of the works was held on 9 July 2014
Hopetoun Industrial Estate
The approved estimated cost of this four Lot subdivision is $194,000 RDV funding of $82,500 was approved in September 2013 The remainder of funding is from Council The planning permit was issued in April 2014 Purchase of the land by Council is complete Design of road works and highway works have been completed Electrical power works have been completed Water and sewerage have been completed Road and drainage works have commenced
Hopetoun Mallee Bush Retreat Stage 5
Stage 5 is the construction of another accommodation unit RDV funding of $60,000 was announced during October 2013 A cultural heritage assessment has given approval for the project A planning permit for the development has been issued A staged building permit was issued on 29 May 2014 A builder has been appointed and site preparation has been completed
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Minyip Bushland Reserve Resurfacing Project
DOT funding of $4,000; Rupanyup Community Bank funding of $1,000 and RDV funding of $7,800 has been approved The works under the project including gravelling of the walking track, signs and brochures have been complete Minyip Lions Club (the auspice group for the project) and Council are completing the final reports and acquittals
Warracknabeal Town Hall Business Sustainability Plan
RDV required the Hall Committee to prepare a long term sustainability plan for upgrading the building (supported by a business case) before they will consider any grants for capital works RDV approved $7,500 in funding for the $10,000 project on 19 March 2014 The consultancy was awarded to Hirst Projects on 22 May 2014 The first meeting with the consultant was held on 23 June 2014
Warracknabeal Historical Society Business and Marketing Plan
RDV required the Museum to prepare a business and marketing plan before they will consider funding any capital works RDV approved $7,500 in funding for the $10,000 project on 19 March 2014 The consultancy was awarded to Hirst Projects on 22 May 2014 The first meeting with the consultant was held on 24 June 2014
Yarriambiack Creek Footbridge in Warracknabeal
The project estimate is $295,000 RDV funding of $220,000 was approved in October 2013 DOT funding of $20,000 has been approved Graincorp has committed $10,000 to the project The Creek Committee is supplying cash and in-kind funding Council is providing in-kind project management and design support A planning permit and Works on Waterway permit have been issued Council awarded the design and construct contract to Andrew Cairns Nominees Pty Ltd trading as Cable Bridge Constructions for $250,500 plus GST on 12 February 2014 A boardwalk to connect the suspension bridge to the east side of the creek has been designed This will be constructed when the bridge is completed Construction of the boardwalk will be carried out by MW Cook assisted by the Creek Committee The creek level has been lowered to allow the works to proceed In-kind earthworks by the Committee and Council staff and Council plant to give pile driving equipment access to the site has been completed Construction commenced on 10 June 2014 The foundations were completed on 15 June 2014 The contractor commenced works on the superstructure on 28 July 2014 The remainder of the bridge and boardwalk is expected to be completed in September
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Council Building Report – Prepared by Kathy Edwards
YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE COUNCIL
COUNCIL REPORT Month of July 2014
Type of Permit Permit, Name of Council permit, temporary temporary Description of Relevant Application Cost of Building Register temporary approval or approval or Building Address Building Work or Building Date Work* Number approval or amendment amendment Use of Building Surveyor amendment number* date*
BP63-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/63 16/06/2014 10/07/2014 32 Dimboola Rd, Warracknabeal Storage Shed $26,500
BP70-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/70 26/06/2014 10/07/2014 29 Georges Rd, Beulah Garage $29,873
BP65-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/65 16/06/2014 10/07/2014 917 Antwerp Rd, Cannum Extensions $102,481
BP64-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/64 16/06/2014 17/07/2014 9009 Stawell/W'Beal Rd, W'Beal Extensions $75,000
BP30-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/30 17/03/2014 17/07/2014 166 Scott St, Warracknabeal Alterations $22,565
BP68-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/68 26/06/2014 17/07/2014 4447 Stawell/W'Beal Rd, Rupanyup Machinery Shed $19,837
BP76-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/76 16/07/2014 24/07/2014 30 Breen St, Murtoa Demolition $3,800 W'Lang Rec Reserve Brook St BP73-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/73 14/07/2014 24/07/2014 Woomelang Light Towers $3,000
BP79-14 W.Wilkie Building 1164/2014/79 21/07/2014 24/07/2014 82 Lyle St, Warracknabeal Workshop $11,592
Total $294,648 Name of Council Officer supplying this register: Kathy Edwards
Planning Permit Activity Report for July 2014 (as tabled) – Prepared by David Young
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10.5 Capital Works Program 2014/2015 – Prepared by Chris Lehmann
Sealed Roads
A two man inspection team has been doing the yearly night inspection on all sealed roads and streets recording any defects (signage, guide post etc). We have also commenced our sealed roadside spraying program with a view towards the upcoming fire season.
In September we will start our construction works on the Tempy-Patchewollock Road and either the Minyip-Dimboola or Glenorchy Roads. They are being designed at present.
Gravel Roads
In August a total of 12km of gravel re-sheeting has taken place on the following roads; Michaels, Desert, Watchupga West, Kinkora, Niewands, Woods and Kewell East. We have also started trials of products to help improve the quality of some of our sandstone re-sheets.
Gravel Pits
The Shire is currently in the final stages of obtaining four new gravel pits. We hope two will be operational by November 2014 and the others by April 2015.
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10.6 Community Services Report – Prepared by Gavin Blinman
Kindergartens
This month I attended a meeting with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), continuing on the reference group of Cluster Managers, MAV and DEECD reviewing the way kindergartens are managed. Much of the review is looking at the regulation costs and the information that is provided to Kindergartens and communities.
The first meeting of the Transport Guidelines Reference Group is scheduled for 3 September 2014 in Horsham. We will put forward a number of recommendations from the Wimmera Transport Report at this meeting.
Mid year data collection for all Kindergartens has just occurred, numbers are marginally up since the beginning of the year across the Shire.
Environmental Health / Local Laws – Prepared by Tim Rose and Greg Wilson
Food premises inspections have remained ongoing for the month of August, with no serious issues arising among our food businesses. One new business has commenced trading in Warracknabeal; from all reports the business is going well.
Two aged care facilities in the Shire were involved in Gastrointestinal outbreaks, which resulted in a number of both residents and staff experiencing gastro-like symptoms. Council’s role is to provide advice on mandatory isolation measures and to supervise the required disinfection and clean-up activities that are required by the Department of Health. A large number of samples were submitted to the Medical Diagnostics Unit, Melbourne; however, a specific pathogen for the outbreaks was not confirmed. Both outbreaks have since subsided and the facilities have returned to regular activities.
Council assessed three onsite wastewater applications during August. Applications were in relation to two new residential dwellings and the new Ambulance Victoria site in Rupanyup.
Council received two complaints in relation to alleged inappropriate chemical use and disposal. Both complaints are currently being investigated, with the EPA likely to be involved at a later date.
The month of July was a mixed one; the Ranger was busy with cats, horses and a few dog issues. The horses that were living in Brim and seized by the RSPCA two weeks ago are currently being cared for by the RSPCA until the matter is heard in court (there has been no date set for the court case yet). A substantial amount of time was used during July to build a case against the owner.
Cats are still a big problem in the usual areas of Murtoa, Warracknabeal, Beulah and Hopetoun; more cat traps have been ordered to keep up with the demand.
There have been a few wandering dog issues with most being in Warracknabeal and Brim; all owners have been dealt with and the dogs being monitored to ensure compliance.
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One dog in Murtoa is in the process of being declared menacing, this will be finalised by early next week as the owner has not decided to challenge the declaration. The dog in question is a terrier type dog that was constantly getting out and showing aggression towards the public. Several requests were made to the owner to confine the dog and do the right thing, without success. They were then issued with multiple fines and a letter informing the owner of Council’s intention to declare the dog menacing.
Rubbish dumping issues we had around the Shire last month are still ongoing, as we have not yet been able to track down the offenders.
The draft Local Law has now been completed and should now progress to the next stage, to be advertised for public comment. The solicitors will confirm when Council can take this action.
Aged and Disability – Prepared by Lisa Dunkley
HACC
The month of August has been very busy for our internal and external staff, due to up skilling in the training sector. The Community Care Workers have been involved with the Dieticians and Medication update for the benefit of our clients.
We have attended the HACC Master Class for Assessment Officers which is held yearly in Ararat and the HACC Forum which is held for managers.
Council has been fortunate enough to secure Roland Naufal and his daughter, who are leading experts in ‘Living Well’ and ‘Ageing Better’. Topics they cover: ‘Ageing Well with a Holistic Perspective’, ‘Local Resources that keep you Connected’ and ‘Healthy Managing your Finances for the Long Term’.
Council will be holding this presentation at the Community Centre on Thursday, 2 October 2014 with more detail closer to the event.
Youth
The interviews for the Youth Engagement Officer have been completed and the new appointee will commence on Monday, 15 September 2014.
Volunteer Meals and Transport – Prepared by Michelle Hallam
Meals on Wheels
National Meals on Wheels Day – 27 August 2014. Council will advertise a media release and advertisement thanking all volunteers involved with the ‘Meals on Wheels’ program Running smoothly across the Shire
Volunteer Transport
Number of drives for August has declined, but the number of drives for the month of September has already increased
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Centre Based Meals
Still in the process of surveying and sampling the food in all centres. Hoping to have this completed by the end of August
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) – Prepared by Nanette Freckleton and Ros Barber
We are using two relieving nurses at the moment to cover the southern nurse’s sick leave.
The Wimmera Community Services Managers’ Forum with the five Councils is looking at the MCH relief staff issue and just as we have with the EHO Agreement, will look at resource sharing opportunities.
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SHARE Program (Sustainable Healthy Adaptable Resilient Engaged) – Prepared by Marianne Ferguson
Caravan Park Trees
Tree works in the Hopetoun, Murtoa and Warracknabeal Caravan Parks are now complete. A tree replacement program will be initiated in the coming months.
Community Gardens
The Beulah and Warracknabeal Community Garden Groups have conducted initial site planning meetings. The Beulah and Hopetoun Community Garden Groups are currently applying for funding for the initial establishment of the gardens.
Murtoa Caravan Park Upgrade
Works to upgrade the Murtoa Caravan Park amenities are underway. Renovations include polished concrete floors, tiling and new fitting and fixtures. The external building will also be painted and footpath replaced.
Woomelang Planning Project
Working plans are currently being prepared for the proposed new building that will replace the old shops in Brook Street. It is envisaged, the Opportunity Shop and a Makers Gallery will utilise the new building and a business plan is currently in draft form.
Wimmera Mallee Tourism
Wimmera Mallee Tourism is currently updating the website that will see the use of new information, images and will be responsive for mobile devices. Wimmera Mallee Tourism Facebook Page currently has 1,803 ‘Likes’.
Yarriambiack Creek Warracknabeal
Members of the public attended the Yarriambiack Creek Committee meeting on 12 August 2014 and discussed the proposal of free camping. The Committee will discuss the topic further at the next Yarriambiack Creek Committee meeting.
Yarriambiack Tourism
The Yarriambiack Tourism Facebook Page currently has 1,057 ‘Likes’. An Introduction to Facebook workshop was held in Warracknabeal to assist Yarriambiack Tourism committee members to increase skills and knowledge to assist with updating the Yarriambiack Tourism Facebook Page.
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10.7 Infrastructure Services Report – Prepared by Bernie Naylor
Bituminous Sealing Contract
As Council would be aware tenders were called from suitably qualified contractors for the design and delivery of works to complete the bituminous resealing programs for the five participating Councils, being Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, Horsham Rural City, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack.
The contract will be for three years from the date of acceptance of the tender with the option for two extensions of one year each.
Tenders closed on Wednesday, 19 June 2014 and have been evaluated by a committee consisting of representatives from each Council.
This will be presented to the closed session of Council.
Plant Replacement Contracts
Council has agreed to be involved in a joint tender for the replacement of plant for the 2014/2015 financial year.
The project involves development of a collaborative tender for heavy plant replacement program for eight municipalities comprising, Ararat Rural City Council, Buloke Shire Council, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Hindmarsh Shire Council, Horsham Rural City Council, Pyrenees Shire Council, Northern Grampians Shire Council and Yarriambiack Shire Council.
This collaborative tendering process will result in individual contracts with each of the member Councils.
Council will be replacing the following items in this year’s budget:-
Grader (Hopetoun) Truck & Dog Trailer (Warracknabeal) Tractor (Hopetoun)
Restructure of Regional Waste Management Groups
The final meeting of the Grampians Regional Waste Management Group, consisting of four Councils being Horsham Rural City, Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians and ourselves was held on Tuesday, 22 July 2014.
The new Grampians Central Waste Management Group Forum, with Representatives from the 12 Councils met in Ararat on Friday, 1 August 2014.
Each Council provided a snap shot to the forum on their waste services and operations.
To date, the new Board have not met.
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Chemical Users Course
17 staff members have just successfully completed the AgVet Chemical Users Course.
It is extremely important for our staff to keep these skills up to date and to be aware of the type of chemicals they use as well as all safety aspects for both themselves and the community.
Contract C186/2014 – Synthetic Bowling Green
Tenders were advertised for the Supply and Installation of one Synthetic Bowling Green for the Murtoa Bowling Club.
These tenders closed on Friday, 4 August 2014 and three tenders were received.
The evaluation of this tender will be dealt with in the closed session of Council.
Technical Services Department
Assets – Prepared by Mick Evans
Developed Capital Works Program
Design – Prepared by Garrett Liston
Implementation of the 2014/15 Capital Works Program
OHS/Risk Management – Prepared by Barry Sullivan
Warracknabeal Council Offices Emergency Management Plan has been upgraded and waiting final proofing by the Risk / OHS Coordinator, where it will presented to the next OHS Committee meeting
Chemical audits have been conducted on 36 Council buildings throughout the Shire. Information has been entered into Council’s Chemwatch database. Material Safety Data Sheets have been issued to the committees of the 36 buildings
Safety ladders and railings (Stage 1) have been installed on the Warracknabeal Leisure Centre roof in accordance with AS 1657 - 2013. Council is now compliant with OHS Regulations 2007
Moved Cr H Ballentine seconded Cr T Grange that standing orders be suspended at 10:30am. Carried
Moved Cr H Ballentine seconded Cr K Zanker that standing orders be resumed at 10:50am. Carried
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11 REPORTS FOR DECISION
11.1 Annual Report – Financial Statement 2013/2014 – Prepared by Anita McFarlane
The Local Government Act requires Council to pass a resolution;
(i) giving approval in principle to the statements (ii) authorising two Councillors to certify the final statements prior to the Auditors signing the Audit Report
Recommendation
(i) Council approves in principle the Financial Statements (ii) Council authorises Cr Zanker and Cr Massey to certify the Financial Statements in their final form after any changes recommended, or agreed to, by the auditor have been made (iii) Council approves in principle the Standard Statements (iv) Council authorises Cr Zanker and Cr Massey to certify the Standard Statements in their final form after any changes recommended, or agreed to, by the auditor have been made (v) Council approves in principle the Performance Statements (vi) Council authorises Cr Zanker and Cr Massey to certify the Performance Statements in their final form after any changes recommended or agreed to, by the auditor have been made
Moved Cr H Ballentine seconded Cr K Zanker that:-
(i) Council approves in principle the Financial Statements (ii) Council authorises Cr Zanker and Cr Massey to certify the Financial Statements in their final form after any changes recommended, or agreed to, by the auditor have been made (iii) Council approves in principle the Standard Statements (iv) Council authorises Cr Zanker and Cr Massey to certify the Standard Statements in their final form after any changes recommended, or agreed to, by the auditor have been made (v) Council approves in principle the Performance Statements (vi) Council authorises Cr Zanker and Cr Massey to certify the Performance Statements in their final form after any changes recommended or agreed to, by the auditor have been made
Carried
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
11.2 Leadership Statement ‘Prevention of Violence against Women’ – Prepared by Gavin Blinman
Yarriambiack Shire Council have been working with Women’s Health Grampians to develop a Leadership Statement for the Prevention of Violence against Women that was supportive of the MAV statement on the same issue put out in 2012.
Many Councils are now developing similar statements and promoting them in their communities.
We have an opportunity to work with our businesses and key community stakeholders to launch our own campaign to reduce the incidence of violence in our communities.
Recommendation
That Council adopt the Leadership Statement (as tabled) and all Councillors and staff are encouraged to read and promote it in our communities.
Moved Cr G Massey seconded Cr T Grange that Council adopt the Leadership Statement (as tabled) and all Councillors and staff are encouraged to read and promote it in our communities.
Carried
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
11.3 SHARE Community Grants Program – Prepared by Marianne Ferguson
Council extensively advertised the SHARE Community Grants Program for a period of six weeks throughout the Shire with the evaluation and selection of the applications taking place on 13 August, 2014. The total funding available in this round was $22,000 inc GST.
The evaluation panel consisted of the following representatives: Cr Terry Grange, Cr Kylie Zanker, Cr Helen Ballentine, Gavin Blinman (Manager Community Services & Development), Dennis Smith (Community Projects Coordinator) and Marianne Ferguson (Community Development Officer).
32 applications were assessed requesting a total of $74,957. 19 applications were recommended for funding as detailed below.
FUNDING NAME OF ORGANISATION DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST ALLOCATED Beulah Community Garden Printer, stationary, fruit trees, fertilisers and $1,100 Group irrigation infrastructure Beulah Historic Learning & Commercial fridge $1,300 Progress Association Initial setup costs – Seed funding for larger Hopetoun Community Garden $1,100 grant
Hopetoun Table Tennis Purchase of tables, equipment and venue hire $1,500
Murtoa & District Neighbourhood House SLAAM Hat Making Workshop $1,400 Inc Purchase blower, pressure washer and tipping Murtoa Cemetery Trust $1,400 trailer Murtoa Country Women’s Sewing machine, craft and cooking equipment $ 500 Association Patchewollock Baring Repairs and maintenance to the Patchewollock Recreation Reserve $1,400 Football Clubroom amenities Committee of Management Rupanyup & District A & P Upgrade show jumping equipment $ 500 Society Rupanyup & District Men’s Electric panel saw $ 900 Shed Rupanyup Memorial Hall Water tank $ 900 Rupanyup/Minyip Cricket Club Carpet pitch $1,000 Warracknabeal Bowling Club Solar panels $1,000 Warracknabeal Brass Band Trailer $1,500 Warracknabeal Cemetery Ride on lawn mower $2,500 Trust Warracknabeal Security monitoring system, table and chair Neighbourhood House & $ 990 trolley Learning Centre Inc Warracknabeal Rotary Club Australia Day Breakfast $ 600 Warracknabeal Wheat City Uniforms, banner and safety equipment $1,500 Derby Angels Woomelang Craft Ladies Manual quilting machine $1,000 $22,090
inc GST
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
Recommendation
That Council approve the above nominated projects under the 2014/2015 SHARE Community Grants Program.
Moved Cr K Zanker seconded Cr L Woods that Council approve the above nominated projects under the 2014/2015 SHARE Community Grants Program.
Carried
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
11.4 Concrete Sill in Wimmera River – Prepared by James Magee
Council have been advised by the Yarriambiack Creek Advisory Committee that the concrete sill on the Wimmera River, just downstream of the Yarriambiack Creek off-take, is in a state of disrepair and reducing the amount of water distributed to Yarriambiack Creek at this junction.
In 1967 a sill was placed in both waterways to provide a water sharing arrangement.
GWMWater are the owners of the concrete sill.
It is essential for the sill to be maintained for Yarriambiack Creek to receive its fair share of natural flows into the future.
Recommendation
That Council write to GWMWater and request that the concrete sill across the Wimmera River be repaired as soon as possible.
Moved Cr T Grange seconded Cr R Kingston that Council write to GWMWater and request that the concrete sill across the Wimmera River be repaired as soon as possible.
Carried
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
11.5 Regulator Levee Bank in Yarriambiack Creek – Prepared by James Magee
A large levee bank was constructed in Yarriambiack Creek over 100 years ago and is located approximately 200m from the Wimmera River. The levee bank is known as the regulator. The regulator has 2 x 900mm culverts in it, through which the water must flow.
The regulator limits the natural flows up Yarriambiack Creek and many believe it should be removed to enhance the environmental sustainability of the creek. A flood study several years ago concluded the regulator provided little if any impact during large flood events.
GWMWater are the owner of the structure. GWMWater and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (CMA) believe that an additional flood study is required to assess the removal of the regulator.
Recommendation
That the Wimmera CMA in conjunction with GWMWater, be requested to provide a specification for the flood study to examine the impacts of the removal of the regulator on the Yarriambiack Creek, that quotations for the study be obtained and that funding be sourced.
Moved Cr R Kingston seconded Cr T Grange that the Wimmera CMA in conjunction with GWMWater, be requested to provide a specification for the flood study to examine the impacts of the removal of the regulator on the Yarriambiack Creek, that quotations for the study be obtained and that funding be sourced. Carried
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
11.6 Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy – Prepared by James Magee
Purpose
To provide Council with information about the development of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy and seek Council endorsement for the strategy as the region’s overarching framework for transport planning and advocacy.
Background
Given the impending Victorian State Election in November 2014, there are potentially considerable benefits for the region in having a consistent and well-articulated set of transport network priorities and funding opportunities.
The existing Wimmera Regional Transport Plan was prepared prior to the more recent release of a number of significant regional and state government transport and land use policies. Accordingly there is also a need to review and refresh the region’s strategic transport plan and ensure regional transport proposals are consistent with the state’s policy framework.
The purpose of the project therefore is to develop an updated Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy which is evidence-based and:
Identifies priority transport projects of regional significance Ensures the region’s transport directions are aligned with state and regional policy
The strategy provides a tool for:
Implementation of the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s Regional Strategic Plan and Regional Growth Plan Future project planning and policy development Advocacy to state and federal governments Developing and prioritising funding applications
The project is being undertaken as a partnership between local and state government under the auspices of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Group (WSMRTG). It is intended that the final strategy be owned and endorsed by the region’s six Councils.
The new strategy builds on and utilises the work undertaken by the WSMRTG over the past decade. It does not replicate or replace the various other detailed transport plans (the C Roads Strategy and the like) prepared by the Group. Rather, it focuses on regional transport priorities to deliver strategic economic, social, environmental and transport network benefits for the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
Governance and Engagement
A project steering committee was established to provide high level direction and includes chief executive officers from the six local councils and representatives from the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI), VicRoads, Wimmera Development Association and the Regional Development Australia Grampians Committee.
A working group of technical representatives from councils and state transport agencies has also been convened to ensure all organisations are represented and can provide local technical inputs.
Consulting firm GHD has been engaged to prepare the strategy. The project is being managed by the DTPLI’s Grampians Region office on behalf of the region. Funding for the project has been provided by the WSMRTG and VicRoads.
Development of the Strategy
The strategy has been prepared by GHD in collaboration with councils and transport agencies. All councils have nominated projects of regional and sub-regional significance that are included in the strategy. Projects include improvements to airports, freight and passenger rail, local and arterial roads and walking and cycling trails, as well as future strategic planning. Projects have been nominated on the basis that they are evidence-based, will have a regional impact and will help ameliorate a known problem, or respond to an identified opportunity.
To ensure a consistent and robust approach to identifying regional priorities, a methodology for the prioritisation of projects was developed. It is based on a review of approaches used by other Victorian regions and has been endorsed by the Project Steering Committee. Essentially this involves GHD scoring nominated projects on a range of criteria including:
Economic, social and environmental impacts The extent of the regional impact The impact on the transport network Links to regional and state strategies Levels of commitment and planning
The methodology for project prioritisation also complements other approaches in the Grampians region to ensure regional consistency.
The Technical Working Group reviewed the outputs of this process to ensure that the outcomes are appropriate for the region, identify any gaps and to ensure scoring and prioritisation have regard to local circumstances and issues.
A large number of projects were nominated by councils to be included in the strategy. These were assessed by GHD to identify the top regional priorities. These are:
Western Highway duplication to Stawell (Buangor to Stawell) Western Highway safety and efficiency improvements – Stawell to SA border Henty Highway Improvements – Horsham to Lascelles Grampians Peak Trail Mildura to Ports Rail Standardisation Horsham Bypass (Western Highway)
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
Capacity improvements to the Adelaide-Melbourne railway line Henty Highway Improvements – Horsham to Portland Grampians Ring Road Rainbow Rail Line Upgrade
The strategy includes details of all nominated projects, including indicative costings. Projects in the strategy cover all modes and a variety of locations across the Wimmera Southern Mallee. They include improvements to airports, freight and passenger rail, local and arterial roads, freight hubs and walking and cycling trails, as well as future strategic planning needs. The strategy also references to the importance of existing funding programs for maintaining the region’s transport infrastructure.
Given the variety of projects at different scales and in different locations, this provides an opportunity for seeking a variety of funding opportunities as they arise over time. The strategy does not suggest that only the priority projects should be developed, in order to maximise the opportunities for future improvements to the region’s transport networks. Nevertheless, the inclusion of priorities will help provide a clear and consistent statement to state and federal governments about those projects which will provide the most significant benefits to the Central Highlands.
The strategy is supported by a background report setting out the evidence base, strategic policy context and project methodology.
Implementation
It is anticipated that all Wimmera Southern Mallee councils will use the strategy as a tool for advocacy to state and federal governments, particularly in the lead up to the forthcoming state election in November. The strategy will also be used to help work with state transport agencies in developing plans and projects to ensure they capture the transport issues and priorities of the region.
Conclusion
It is increasingly important for regions to work together to ensure a common voice in advocating for major region-shaping infrastructure projects. The updated Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy will provide a robust evidence-based tool for this purpose.
The State Government has recognised the importance of regional transport strategies and studies to articulate regional priorities, having referenced such plans in both Plan Melbourne and the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan. The new Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy will ensure that this region’s contribution to this overall policy framework remains contemporary and persuasive.
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
Recommendation
The Council adopts the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy August 2014 The Council will continue to work with the region to see the delivery of the projects identified in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy August 2014
Moved Cr T Grange seconded Cr G Massey that:-
The Council adopts the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy August 2014 The Council will continue to work with the region to see the delivery of the projects identified in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy August 2014
Carried
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
11.7 Celebrating Young People Youth Grants, Round 17 – Prepared by Gavin Blinman
The current round of Celebrating Young People Youth Grants attracted four entries requesting a total of $3,720.
These are:
Lubeck Recreation Reserve………………………………...... $1,000 Warracknabeal VCAL………………………...... $ 770 Brim Lions Club ...... $1,000 Beulah Historic Learning, Progress Association……………………...... $ 950
Total…………………………. $3,720
We allow $5,000 for each round of grant.
The applications involved projects that will benefit young people and their community.
Lubeck’s application is looking at a shelter at their recreation ground.
VCAL application will assist to expand project Gizmo (young people helping older people with technology).
Brim Lions application is asking for assistance to develop the New Year’s Eve event.
Beulah Historic Learning, Progress Association application is to assist a community engagement activity to skill up young people.
As the applications do not exceed the allocated funding, all projects could be fully funded this round.
Recommendation
That Council approves the payment of the above grants.
Moved Cr L Woods seconded Cr H Ballentine that Council approves the payment of the above grants.
Carried
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
12 GENERAL BUSINESS (including strategic direction and specific issues)
Book Publication – “Honouring Their Sacrifice” World War 1 Memorials of Yarriambiack Shire Cr G Massey advised the publication of the above book had been finalised and will be launched after Council Forum on 10 September 2014. Invitations have been sent out to various identities and organisations.
The book was compiled with the assistance of students from Hopetoun, Warracknabeal & Murtoa Secondary Colleges and will be will be available for sale at several locations in our Shire for a cost of $20 – with the funds raised to be shared between the three schools and Council.
CEO Ray Campling commended Cr Massey on a job well done.
Cr T Grange expressed that he felt Cr Massey was being rather modest on this accomplishment and also congratulated Cr Massey on the production and publication of this “one of a kind” book.
Minyip Police Station Cr T Grange advised that Minyip’s Police Officer, David Flannery is transferring and will be greatly missed as he was an integral part of the Minyip community. Cr Grange is hopeful the vacancy at the Minyip Police Station will be filled in the immediate future.
13 CLOSED SESSION
Moved Cr K Zanker seconded Cr R Kingston that Council move into Closed Session.
Carried
Moved Cr K Zanker seconded Cr R Kingston that Council move back into Open Session.
Carried
Moved Cr H Ballentine seconded Cr T Grange that Council adopt the Resolutions from the Closed Session of Council.
Carried
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 27 AUGUST 2014
14 MINUTES FROM MEETINGS
15 ATTACHMENTS / REPORTS
Leadership Statement ‘Prevention of Violence against Women’ Planning Permit Activity Report for July 2014 Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy – August 2014
16 NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of Council will be held on Wednesday, 24 September 2014 at 9:30am at Warracknabeal.
17 CLOSE – 11.55 am
______Mayor
M 27 08 14 .docx 32 Planning Permit Activity Report Sample Return
Application Identifier Application type Property Location Estimated Cost of Works Proposed Use or Development Applicant Details Date Application Received Responsible Authority Outcome Date of Responsible Authority Outcome x Street Address Crown Description Lot on Plan Name Address (ppr v0.04) Street Number, Name, Type Locality Postcode Allotment, Block, Section, and Parish/Township Lot Plan Line One reet Number, Name, Ty Locality State Country Postcode 1.1 1.2 1.3.1.1 1.3.1.2 1.3.1.3 1.3.4 1.3.5.1 1.3.5.2 1.70 1.8 1.9.1 1.9.1.0 1.9.1.1 1.9.1.2 1.9.1.3 1.9.1.4 1.9.1.5 2.1 4.1 4.2 TP15-14 New application 1465 Wimmera Highway Murtoa 3390 A PS337428F 180,000.00 Erection of Storage Shed Mark Carter PO Box 313 Kerang Vic Australia 3579 23/04/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 14/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP16-14 New application 123 King Rd Crymelon 3393 2 PS110620 Subdivision Mark Bish 123 King Rd Crymelon Vic Australia 3393 23/04/2014 In progress TP21-14 New application 8 Algerian St Patchewollock 3491 CA 2011 Parish Patchewollock 8,000.00 Use and Development of Caravan P Greg Wallace PO Box 7 Lascelles Vic Australia 3487 15/05/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 14/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP28-14 New application Cnr Wood St x Cromie St Rupanyup 3388 Crown Land 10000 Development of a War Memorial Sony Johns 12 Simpson St Rupanyup Vic Australia 3388 28/05/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 09/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP29-14 New application 1165 Warracknabeal-Birchip RdWarracknabeal 3393 149578 Erection of Machinery Shed Joel Anderson 1165 warracknabeal-BiWarracknabeal Vic Australia 3393 02/06/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 09/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP31-14 New application Depot Road Rupanyup 3388 CA 13 Parish Lallat 0 Subdivision GWMWater PO Box 481 Horsham Vic Australia 3402 11/06/2014 No permit required 01/07/2014 TP32-14 New application 32 Dimboola Rd Warracknabeal 3393 26500 Construction of a Garage Peter Russell 32 Dimboola Rd Warracknabeal Vic Australia 3393 16/06/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 09/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP33-14 New application 18 Station St Tempy 3489 0 Change of Use to a shop Tony Foster 18 Station St Tempy Vic Australia 3489 25/06/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 14/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP35-14 New application 425 Burrum North Rd Rupanyup 3388 76C Parish Burrum Burrum 80000 Re-erection of 2nd Dwelling Samantha Matthews PO Box 94 Rupanyup Vic Australia 3388 30/06/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 28/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP36-14 New application 586 Gaulkes Rd Kellalac 3393 CA 64 Parish Werrigar 62000 Construction of a Hay Shed Graeme Stewart 11 Heslop Crt Horsham Vic Australia 3400 11/07/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 23/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP37-14 New application 7 Asquith Ave Warracknabeal 3393 4 LP23093 20942 Construction of Garage & Carport Jo Anderson 49 Lynott St Horhsam Vic Australia 3393 15/07/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 23/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP13-14/A Amended permit a 9a Scott St Warracknabeal 3393 CA 9 Sect 10 Parish Werrigar 0 Construction of a Storage Shed Michael Schilling 38 Scott St Warracknabeal Vic Australia 3393 16/07/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 23/07/2014 Responsible Authority TP39-14 New application Sunraysia Highway Woomelang 3485 1 PS442517 400,000 Additional 2 Bunkers Mark Carter PO Box 313 Kerang Vic Australia 5379 24/07/2014 In progress TP40-14 New application 570 Hopetoun-Sea Lake Rd Hopetoun 3396 CA 18 Parish Nyallo 200,000 Construction of Rural Shed Matt Jackson PO Box 2015 Mildura Vic Australia 3502 21/07/2014 Permit issued by a delegate of the 30/07/2014 Responsible Authority
Planning Report July 2014.xlsx [PlanningPermitRegister] 19/08/2014 9:54 AM
Leadership Statement
Prevention of Violence against Women
Yarriambiack Shire Council is committed to the prevention of violence against women. Our focus on this issue aligns with, and supports the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in its commitment to work for the prevention of violence against women.
Our Vision
Our vision for the Yarriambiack Shire is safe, respectful and equitable communities where women and children live free from violence and abuse.
Our Commitment
Yarriambiack Shire Council encourages all community members to endorse Council’s action and to say ‘no’ to violence against women in all forms including physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, discriminative, financial and psychological abuse.
Yarriambiack Shire Council also recognises the important and critical role that the everyday, equitable treatment of women plays in changing the culture that contributes to violence against women.
Yarriambiack Shire Council will take the following actions to provide leadership in our community to prevent the occurrence of violence and abuse against women and promote respectful relationships.
1. Advocate:
To all levels of government for resources and programs that promote a whole of community approach to the prevention of violence against women and promote healthy, equal and respectful relationShips between men, women and children.
For resources and services within our Shire to support women and children who are experiencing violence.
For resources and services within our shire for men who use violence to address their behaviour and contribute to the safety of women and children. 2. Build Capacity:
Within the Yarriambiack Shire Council to ensure all staff understand the issue and contribute to prevent violence against women. We will promote positive role models for men and women and strive for gender equality in the workplace.
3. Promote the Role of Local Government:
Yarriambiack Shire Council will work with Local Government in North West Victoria to promote best practice in the prevention of violence against women at all levels.
Yarriambiack Shire Council will encourage Local Government in North West Victoria to champion the whole of community approach to raising awareness for promotion of respectful relationships and gender equity practices.
4. Supporting Local Business:
Yarriambiack Shire Council will encourage local business owners as leaders in our community to speak up and say no to violence against women.
Support workplaces to adopt best practice initiatives to ensure women and men are equally represented, valued and rewarded within the workplace.
5. Informing our Community:
Yarriambiack Shire Council will assist in educating the community about the importance of making a stand and not accepting violence against women in their community or town by challenging sexism, discrimination and violence.
Yarriambiack Shire Council will also encourage our community not to accept violence towards them and to speak out against violence with assistance from support agencies.
------
Mayor Chief Executive Officer
Date / /
This version of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy has been endorsed by the Project Steering Committee for consideration by the region’s Councils for endorsement. 15 August 2014
This document has been prepared by GHD for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Councils.
This report: has been prepared by GHD for Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Councils and may only be used and relied on by Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Councils for the purpose agreed between GHD and the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Councils as set out in section 1 of this report.
GHD otherwise disclaims responsibility to any person other than Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Councils arising in connection with this report. GHD also excludes implied warranties and conditions, to the extent legally permissible.
The services undertaken by GHD in connection with preparing this report were limited to those specifically detailed in the report and are subject to the scope limitations set out in the report.
The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on conditions encountered and information reviewed at the date of preparation of the report. GHD has no responsibility or obligation to update this report to account for events or changes occurring subsequent to the date that the report was prepared.
The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on assumptions made by GHD described in this report. GHD disclaims liability arising from any of the assumptions being incorrect.
GHD has prepared this report on the basis of information provided by Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Councils and others who provided information to GHD (including Government authorities)], which GHD has not independently verified or checked beyond the agreed scope of work. GHD does not accept liability in connection with such unverified information, including errors and omissions in the report which were caused by errors or omissions in that information.
Document Status Rev Author Reviewer Approved for Issue No. Name Signature Name Signature Date 0 N.Guy L.McGregor L.McGregor 7.7.14
1 N.Guy P.Templer P.Templer 30.7.14
2 N.Guy P.Templer P.Templer 1.8.14
3 N.Guy P.Templer P.Templer 7.8.14
4 N.Guy P.Templer *Signed on P.Templer *Signed on 13.8.14 original original
Executive summary
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy is an evidence-based strategy which: Identifies priority transport projects of regional significance.
Ensures the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s transport directions are aligned with state, regional and local policy. The strategy is owned by the Wimmera Southern Mallee councils, comprising of Buloke, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack. It has been prepared with assistance and input from State Government Authorities. The Wimmera Southern Mallee Region is a very productive region of the State especially compared to the population within the region. However, despite the productivity of the region, there are a number of issues which face the region, particularly in relation to the funding opportunities and maintenance of the transport network. Key issues for the region that have been identified, that the priority projects are related to, include the following:
Maintenance of the road network. This is particularly focused on the need for significant maintenance on the ‘C’ Class road network. Maintenance of the road network is important for resilience of the network to accommodate diversion routes if a closure occurs on a key arterial road. The increasing number of large vehicles on local roads accessing farms with on-site storage and the changes in the supply chain due to industry and customer requirements.
Public transport accessibility. The Wimmera Southern Mallee Region has a lack of public transport. There are no passenger rail connections and bus services for many of the towns are infrequent and operate at times that are not always user friendly.
Mode split for freight on rail. The volume of freight produced within the region is growing and is expected to continue to grow particularly in the grain and mineral sands industries. Thus there is a need to improve rail freight to minimise the number of trucks on the roads for maintenance, safety and amenity. Tourism. This is a key growth industry of the region with a focus on outdoor tourism. Therefore active transport connections are critical to allow for this growth. Additionally, road connections to the key destinations are required to be maintained and improved to allow for tourists to easily access these areas.
Small population towns spread over a large land area. Horsham is the only large township in the region and then the rest of the population is dispersed in smaller towns and rural areas. This causes accessibility issues to key services and also reduces the calculated benefits of projects in the region as there are less people, however does not change the requirement for many of these projects.
i | P a g e
The projects were nominated by the technical working group and were generally chosen based on alignment with the regional growth plan and other local and/or State Government plans, economic development for the region and social and amenity issues. A significant number of projects were nominated and then prioritised. The top 10 priority projects for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region are outlined in the table below. Top 10 Priority projects
Project Immediate Next Steps
Western Highway duplication to Planning and design has been completed for EES approval. Stawell (Buangor to Stawell). Secondary planning scheme amendments need to be completed prior to construction once funding is provided.
Western Highway safety and Planning and design of the most effective improvements along efficiency improvements – this section of the Western Highway is required. Stawell to SA border.
Henty Highway Improvements – This project has been scoped and costed. Therefore the next Horsham to Lascelles. stage for this project is, complete the design and seek funding.
Grampians Peak Trail. A master plan has been completed. Detailed design needs to be undertaken.
Mildura to Ports Rail Identification of the preferred standardisation option and the Standardisation finalisation of the business case.
Horsham Bypass (Western Planning and securing land for an alignment is required to Highway). enable growth of Horsham that complements the bypass.
Capacity improvements to the Planning works for this project need to be completed. Adelaide-Melbourne railway line.
Henty Highway Improvements – Scoping and design is required to be undertaken as the next Horsham to Portland. step.
Grampians Ring Road. Strategic planning is complete. Detailed design needs to be undertaken.
Rainbow Rail Line Upgrade Planning works for the section of axle load upgrades have been completed, while Council have prepared a position paper on reinstating the rail line between Rainbow and Yaapeet. The next stage for this project is, progress planning, complete the design and seek funding.
ii | P a g e
Table of contents
1. Introduction...... 1 1.1 Project partners ...... 1 1.2 Connections ...... 1 1.3 Review of strategy ...... 1
2. Project background ...... 2 3. About the Wimmera Southern Mallee ...... 3
4. Strategic view ...... 5 4.1 Strategic vision ...... 5 4.2 Strategic objectives ...... 5 4.3 Wimmera Southern Mallee’s challenges ...... 6
5. Project identification and prioritisation ...... 7 5.1 Overall top 10 projects ...... 7 5.2 Top 5 rail projects ...... 10 5.3 Top 5 road projects ...... 10 5.4 Top 5 active transport projects ...... 10 5.5 Top 5 airport projects ...... 10 5.6 ‘C’ Class Roads ...... 10 5.7 Planning projects ...... 11 5.8 On-going programs ...... 12 5.9 Other existing strategies ...... 12
6. The WSM regions priority projects ...... 13
7. Wimmera Southern Mallee regional issues and projects ...... 24 7.1 Products to market ...... 24 7.2 Maintenance of ‘C’ class roads ...... 24 7.3 Access to services ...... 25 7.4 Network Resilience ...... 26 7.5 Rail crossing removal and upgrade program ...... 26 7.6 Road Making Materials ...... 26 7.7 Tourism ...... 26 7.8 Sustainability of the airport network ...... 26 7.9 Alignment with the Murray Basin rail project (Mildura to ports rail standardisation) ...... 27 7.10 Emerging industries ...... 28
iii | P a g e
Table index
Table 1: Regional snapshot ...... 3 Table 2: Top 10 priority projects ...... 8
Table 3: ‘C’ Class Priority Roads...... 11
Figure index
Figure 1: Existing Transport Infrastructure for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region ...... 4
Figure 2: Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Priority Projects ...... 9
Appendices
Appendix A – Project list
Appendix B – Achievement of strategic objectives key challenges.
Appendix C – Airport details
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1. Introduction
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy (herein referred to as ‘the strategy’) is an evidence-based strategy which:
Identifies priority transport projects of regional significance.
Ensures the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s transport directions are aligned with state, regional and local policy.
It provides a tool for:
Implementation of the transport frameworks established by the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s Regional Strategic Plan and Regional Growth Plan.
Future project planning and policy development.
Advocacy to state and federal governments.
Developing and prioritising funding applications.
The strategy is a concise, high level document that should be read in conjunction with the Wimmera Southern Mallee Transport Strategy – Background Report. This document provides the background context to the region in terms of demographics, the context of the region within current state and federal policies and key issues and opportunities for the region.
1.1 Project partners
The strategy is owned by the Wimmera Southern Mallee councils, comprising the municipalities of Buloke, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack. It has been prepared with assistance and input from the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI), VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria (PTV). GHD has been engaged to prepare the strategy documentation on behalf of the Wimmera Southern Mallee councils. GHD’s engagement involved consultation with all members of the technical working group to determine the projects to be included within the prioritisation process. The strategy has been developed in collaboration with the Wimmera Southern Mallee Councils and DTPLI and has relied on the background information included in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Transport Strategy – Background Report.
1.2 Connections
The Wimmera Southern Mallee transport network does not operate in isolation of the wider state network. The strategy is part of the wider Grampians region and has direct connections to the neighbouring Central Highlands, Barwon South West, Loddon Mallee North and broader Victorian, New South Wales and South Australian transport networks. Whilst the region itself generates a significant transport task, these movements and supply chains usually extend to areas outside the direct area covered by the strategy. As such the strategy also needs to consider the impact that freight and passenger movements have on the broader network, particularly journeys to major settlements and international gateways (such as ports) in other parts of the state and country.
1.3 Review of strategy
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy will be reviewed regularly by the Project Steering Committee to ensure that the strategy reflects the goals and conditions of the communities of the region. Reviews will also take account of policy shifts, completed priorities, introduction of threats or challenges to the strategy, new opportunities for the region and identification of new projects.
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2. Project background
The Wimmera Southern Mallee region has a strong tradition of regional transport planning. Councils and other key stakeholders form the Wimmera Regional Transport Group which provides a focus for leadership and strategic planning in relation to the region’s transport needs. Over the last 10 years this group has commissioned a number of plans and studies including the Wimmera Regional Transport Plan (2005, updated 2008), a regional freight transport issues paper (2012) and improvement strategies for bridges and C Routes. These strategies have identified key strategic issues and trends affecting the region’s transport network and some potential infrastructure enhancements.
The emphasis on integrated regional planning and community and economic development has increased in recent years through the development of the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s Regional Strategic Plan (2010).
However since the development of these strategies, there has been a significant evolution in the state and regional transport and land use policy context with the development of:
Victoria – The Freight State 2013: the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan.
Regional growth plans. Plan Melbourne: the Melbourne metropolitan planning strategy.
Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2013 – 2022.
Cycling into the Future 2013-23: Victoria’s cycling strategy. Victoria’s trails strategy 2014-2024.
This strategy builds on the detailed planning and strategy work undertaken by the Wimmera Regional Transport Group over the past decade. It revisits the previously identified issues and proposals for upgrades to account for this new policy context and ensure detailed planning for transport fully aligns with state and regional imperatives.
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3. About the Wimmera Southern Mallee
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Region is located on the western side of Victoria, adjoining South Australia. The region has a strong agricultural base and a population of around 55,000 dispersed over a large area. The area included within this strategy comprises the municipalities of Buloke, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack.
Horsham is the region’s largest town and one of Victoria’s ten designated regional cities. Whilst this is the major centre of population and services, there are a number of important district towns which service their surrounding communities and smaller centres including Nhill, Stawell, Warracknabeal, St Arnaud, Edenhope, Kaniva, Hopetoun, Dimboola, Charlton, Birchip and Donald. Agriculture is the dominant land use, economic driver and employment sector in the region, predominantly comprising broad-acre cropping of cereals, pulses and oilseeds in the central and northern parts of the region and livestock grazing in the southern parts. Other key employment sectors are healthcare, retail, manufacturing, transport and construction.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee is home to a number of important cultural and environmental assets which are critical to the region’s identity, heritage and sustainability. This includes the Grampians, Little Desert and Wyperfeld National Parks and major lake and river systems. These assets also support the economic development through tourism.
The main road transport corridor in the region is the Western Highway, which connects Horsham, Stawell and Nhill with Melbourne (via Ballarat), Adelaide and Perth. The Melbourne–Adelaide railway also generally follows the Western Highway alignment and continues to Perth.
There are other important road corridors including the Henty Highway, which runs north–south through the region and provides access to the Port of Portland. A number of rail lines provide freight services, particularly for the export of bulk commodities such as grain and mineral sands. Other key transport links in the region comprise the Sunraysia Highway, Calder Highway and Geelong to Mildura railway, which all provide access between the south of the state and Mildura.
Aviation transport is also important within the region. There are a number of airports that serve a variety of purposes from emergency services to servicing agricultural requirements. Figure 1 presents the existing transport infrastructure in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region. This highlights the road and rail links through the region and the locations of the primary airports and passenger railway stations. Table 1: Regional snapshot
Largest towns (2011) Horsham: 15,129 Nhill: 1,849 Stawell: 5,655 Dimboola: 1,367 Warracknabeal: 2,302 Donald: 1,310 St Arnaud: 2,146 Charlton: 943 Horsham 3,257 (16.7%) Buloke: -424 (-6.6%) Projected LGA population Northern Grampians: 122 Hindmarsh: -421 (-7.2%) change 2011-2031 (1.0%) West Wimmera: -376 (-8.8%) Yarriambiack: -238 (-3.3%) Largest economic sectors 1. Agriculture, fishing and forestry 4. Transport, postal and (Gross Value Added, 2012) 2. Mining warehousing 3. Health care and social 5. Retail assistance 6. Education and training Largest commodities for 1. Grain 4. Mineral sands 1 Grampians region 2. Forestry (logs) 5. Livestock 3. Meat 6. Horticulture
1 Includes Central Highlands councils; does not include Buloke
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Figure 1: Existing Transport Infrastructure for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region
Source: VicRoads and DTPLI
For further information regarding the background context of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region refer to the Wimmera Southern Mallee Transport Strategy – Background Report.
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4. Strategic view
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Region has a number of strategies related to growth of the region and infrastructure required to support this future development that have been developed and updated over the last 10 years.
An objective of this transport strategy project is to revisit the region’s transport plans and update the strategic context to ensure the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s transport strategies and projects remain relevant and aligned to government policy. The findings of this process are presented in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Transport Strategy – Background Report.
To assist alignment between this strategy and other key strategies within the region, the technical working group and project steering committee agreed to adopt the strategic vision and objectives outlined in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Growth Plan, that are related to the transport future directions.
4.1 Strategic vision
The vision for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region in 2041 presented in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Growth Plan (May 2014) is as follows: The Wimmera Southern Mallee is a prosperous region which uses its natural advantages of a healthy environment, extensive spaces and a range of urban and rural lifestyle opportunities to attract more residents, businesses and visitors.
Increased primary production remains an important focus of the region, but a more diverse and innovative economy, including new agricultural commodities, industry, tourism, research and education means the community can adapt to changing economic and environmental conditions.
The environment is protected and enhanced by sustainable communities and industry. People can choose from a variety of places to live throughout the region to suit different lifestyles, with a network of small and large towns providing hubs to access community activity and services.
Good transport connections are provided within and beyond the region to facilities and markets to improve the competitive advantage of living and working in the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
The final paragraph of this vision is the critical element relevant for the regional transport strategy and therefore has been the key focus for the vision of this strategy.
4.2 Strategic objectives
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Growth Plan outlines a number of future transport directions. The Wimmera Southern Mallee Technical Working Group decided to adopt these directions as the strategic objective for this transport strategy. These directions are as follows: – Develop freight and logistics precincts as places to collect and distribute goods. – Understand and ensure efficient ways to transport products between producers and markets. – Improve the capacity, safety and functioning of the transport network. – Ensure access and connectivity. – Provide for a safe, reliable and resilient network. – Consider technological advancements in the transport provision mix. – Ensure amenity and useability.
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4.3 Wimmera Southern Mallee’s challenges
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Region is a very productive region of the State especially compared to the population within the region. However, despite the productivity of the region, there are a number of issues which face the region, particularly in relation to the funding opportunities and maintenance of the transport network. Key issues for the region that have been identified include the following: Maintenance of the road network.
Maintenance and the funding allocated to for the road network is a critical issue for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region and is related to all road classifications, including highways, C class roads and local roads. The region has a significant number of kilometres of road to maintain which are utilised by considerable volumes of freight transporting grain, mineral sands and other products produced within the region.
The current funding provided for maintenance of arterial roads is insufficient and is leading to significant problems, including speed limits on highways in some places, and deterioration of surfaces and shoulders in many areas of the network. The increasing number of large vehicles on local roads accessing farms due to onsite storage.
The deregulation of the grain industry has increased the number of farms storing products on site. This results in transportation of products occurring throughout the year to meet demand rather than during a couple of months of the year to store the products in a central silo. Therefore requiring heavy vehicles to travel along the local roads during wet conditions. A key consequence of this change in the industry supply chain is the deterioration of the local roads to access the farms and consequently the increased maintenance requirements. Public transport accessibility.
There are no passenger rail connections within the region and bus services for many of the towns are infrequent and operate at times that are not always user friendly. This makes connections to facilities that are only offered in regional centres difficult to access. Mode split for freight on rail.
Road is the predominate mode to transport freight within the region due to supply chain flexibilities and efficiencies associated with road versus rail. As the volume of freight being transported increases, the number of trucks on the road network increases and consequently impact on the maintenance and quality of the roads and safety and amenity issues for local residents. Tourism.
Tourism growth within the region is a key opportunity for economic growth however the challenge is associated with providing the transport network connectivity to encourage this growth. Tourism within the region is primarily associated with walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. The Grampians National Park attracts a large number of tourists undertaking outdoor activities. However, there are limited other walking and cycling trails that are tourism attractors. Additionally, the connectivity of walking and cycling paths between towns is limited. Small population towns spread over large land area.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee only has the one large township of Horsham with the other townships spread across the region being considerably smaller. This results in key services either being located in numerous locations for small populations or less services (medical facilities, public transport services) being able to be provided and hence residents are required to travel substantial distances to access these services. The dispersed population also reduces the calculated benefits of projects in the region as there are less people, however does not change the requirement for many of these projects.
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5. Project identification and prioritisation
The project identification and prioritisation process has followed a process endorsed by the project steering committee. The process involved significant input from the technical working group. The projects were nominated by the technical working group and were generally chosen based on a number of key elements which include:
Alignment with the regional growth plan and other local and/or State Government plans. The ability for the project to address key issues within the region.
Economic development for the region.
Social and amenity improvements for the region. A significant number of projects were nominated and then prioritised. The project selection and prioritisation process generally followed the key steps:
Project nomination by all members of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Technical Working Group.
Scoring of each project against the set criteria (agreed and endorsed by the Wimmera Southern Mallee Technical Working Group).
Apply weighting for each criterion.
Review of scoring to ensure consistency between project scoring.
Identification of the project rank based on ranking overall scoring formula.
Workshop with Wimmera Southern Mallee Technical Working Group to review the outcomes and identify if particular project have been missed or ranked incorrectly.
Update project prioritisation based on workshop feedback and additional projects to be included.
The definition of the criteria, scoring and the weighting adopted for the project prioritisation process for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Strategy is provided in the Background Report.
The nominated projects to be prioritised are included within Appendix A, while the comparison of how the projects meet the strategic objectives and key regional challenges is included in Appendix B. It should be noted that whilst this list includes a range of projects the list is not exhaustive of all projects for the region. Rather the projects included within this process are the key projects that are currently viewed to have significant benefits for the region and address the key issues.
5.1 Overall top 10 projects The top 10 priority projects for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region and the immediate next steps required to progress these projects is outlined in and presented in Figure 2.
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Table 2: Top 10 priority projects
Project Immediate Next Steps
Western Highway duplication to Stawell Planning and design has been completed for EES (Buangor to Stawell). approval. Secondary planning scheme amendments need to be completed prior to construction once funding is provided.
Western Highway safety and efficiency Planning and design of the most effective improvements – Stawell to SA border. improvements along this section of the Western Highway is required.
Henty Highway Improvements – This project has been scoped and costed. Therefore Horsham to Lascelles. the next stage for this project is, complete the design and seek funding.
Grampians Peak Trail. A master plan has been completed. Detailed design needs to be undertaken.
Mildura to Ports Rail Standardisation Identification of the preferred standardisation option and the finalisation of the business case.
Horsham Bypass (Western Highway). Planning and securing land for an alignment is required to enable growth of Horsham that complements the bypass.
Capacity improvements to the Adelaide- Planning works for this project needs to be Melbourne railway line. completed.
Henty Highway Improvements – Strategic and project planning is complete. Design is Horsham to Portland. required to be undertaken as the next step.
Grampians Ring Road. Strategic planning is complete. Detailed design needs to be undertaken.
Rainbow Rail Line Upgrade Planning works for the section of axle load upgrades have been completed, while Council have prepared a position paper on reinstating the rail line between Rainbow and Yaapeet. The next stage for this project is, progress planning, complete the design and seek funding.
For the full list of the projects and scoring, please refer to Appendix A. Refer to Section 6 for a one page summary of the top priority projects.
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Figure 2: Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Priority Projects
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5.2 Top 5 rail projects
The top 5 rail projects identified through the project prioritisation process are: Mildura to Ports Rail Standardisation.
Capacity improvements to the Adelaide-Melbourne railway line.
Dimboola to Rainbow rail line axle load upgrade. Rainbow – Yaapeet Rail Line Upgrade.
Passenger Rail Extension (Shuttle rail service between Kaniva, Horsham and Ararat).
5.3 Top 5 road projects
The top 5 road projects identified through the project prioritisation process are: Western Highway duplication to Stawell (Buangor to Stawell).
Western Highway safety and efficiency improvements – Stawell to SA border.
Henty Highway improvements – Horsham to Lascelles. Horsham Bypass (Western Highway).
Henty Highway improvements – Horsham to Portland.
5.4 Top 5 active transport projects
The top 5 active transport projects identified through the project prioritisation process are:
Grampians Peak Trail. Stawell to Halls Gap Walking/Cycling Route.
Western Victorian Iconic Walking Trail (Horsham, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera).
Hindmarsh Walking Trail Project. Nature Tracks – Pedestrian and Cycling Facilities within Buloke.
5.5 Top 5 airport projects
The top 5 air projects identified through the project prioritisation process are:
Sea Lake Airport Upgrade. Stawell Airport Upgrade.
Hopetoun Airport Upgrade.
Rainbow Airstrip Upgrade. Warracknabeal Airport Upgrade.
It is noted that a number of the airport upgrade projects were prioritised very close together, for the other airport projects refer to Appendix A. Further details on the airport upgrade projects are included within Appendix C.
5.6 ‘C’ Class Roads
‘C’ Class roads are critical to the road network and maintenance funding for these roads is important. There are a significant number of ‘C’ Class roads within the regions that have been identified to require upgrades and maintenance, however it is acknowledge that all of these upgrades cannot be
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undertaken at the one time. Therefore each Council has prioritised their top two ‘C’ Class road upgrades that are required within the immediate to short term.
The roads have been chosen based on a number of factors which include:
Average Annual Daily Traffic Volume.
Safety issues/ number of recorded crashes.
The condition of the road. The critical nature of the road for key industries within the Council.
The top two priority projects for each municipality are presented in Table 3. Table 3: ‘C’ Class Priority Roads
Council Priority C Class Road Projects
Buloke Shire Borung Highway.
Birchip Sea Lake Road.
Hindmarsh Shire Dimboola to Rainbow Road.
Nhill-Yanac Road.
Horsham Rural City Horsham Kalkee Road.
Horsham Drung South Road.
Northern Grampians Murtoa-Glenorchy Road. Grampians Road.
Yarriambiack Donald Murtoa Road.
Warracknabeal Birchip Road.
West Wimmera Kaniva-Edenhope Road.
Nhill-Harrow Road.
5.7 Planning projects
The projects included in the prioritisation process have considered projects at all stages of the planning lifecycle and timing requirements. Consequently, a number of studies and strategies in the initial planning stages have been identified as the initial project and then the design and construction of the project can be developed based on the findings of this study or strategy. The key initial stage planning projects that have been identified for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region include:
Horsham Bypass (Western Highway). Western Victorian Iconic Walking Trail (Horsham, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera).
Passenger Rail Extension (Shuttle rail service between Kaniva, Horsham and Ararat).
Regional GIS capability. Changes to grain freight transport on road.
Increased Freight on Rail.
Vegetation Management for roadsides.
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Rail Crossing Projects.
5.8 On-going programs
Through the project identification process a number of existing programs have been identified that are essential to enable the on-going improvements and maintenance of regional infrastructure. There are a large number of programs that the Councils within the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region currently seek funding for and some of these programs have been funded in the latest federal and state budgets.
The funds provided through the various programs are vital for the maintenance of local roads to ensure the roads are maintained keep them to a standard that enables the roads to continue to be efficiently be utilised. The critical programs identified include the Federal Roads to Recovery Program and the State Country Roads and Bridges Program.
5.9 Other existing strategies
As previously mentioned the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region has completed a number of transport infrastructure strategies which have identified key issues in the region and priority projects related to this issue. The strategies include:
Wimmera Regional Transport Group Bridges Strategy Local Roads (August 2010).
Wimmera Regional Transport Group Grey Spots Strategy (November 2012). Wimmera Regional Transport Group C Route Strategy (October 2009).
Wimmera Regional Transport Group C Route Detour Strategy (August 2011).
Wimmera Regional Transport Group – Regional Freight Transport (May 2012). Wimmera Regional Transport Plan, “2008 Review” (October 2008).
These strategies have been utilised when determining a number of the projects to be included within the prioritisation process for this strategy. However, it is noted that while many of these projects are important projects they have relatively local benefits. These projects are important for the region and the strategies should remain current and alongside this overall transport strategy for the region.
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6. The WSM regions priority projects
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Project: Western Highway duplication from
Buangor to Stawell
Project description Problem identification Construction of the duplication of the Western The Western Highway is a key east west interstate Highway between Buangor and Stawell (east route providing the primary freight route between of Gilchrist Road). Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
The project is a continuation of the currently The highway passes through the western area of funded duplication sections as far as Buangor. Victoria (including the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region) which is a key farming region and as such The duplication includes provision for two the highway supports agricultural (including grain lanes in each direction with a central median, production), regional tourism and manufacturing intersection upgrades to improve road safety industries. The efficiency of this road corridor and facilitate the efficient movement of traffic. affects the efficiency of regional production and In addition the project includes the town hence the long term viability of regional towns and bypasses for Beaufort and Ararat. It is industries. acknowledged that these bypasses were not The high proportion of heavy vehicles and limited included within the EES documentation that passing opportunities can create road safety issues has been approved however to improve by other vehicles passing at inappropriate efficiency and safety of the highway planning, locations. Furthermore, the increasing volume of design and construction of these bypasses traffic along the Western Highway is increasing should be completed with the duplication of the these risks. highway. Additionally, travel times for cars may be longer due to slow heavy vehicles that cannot be passed.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
The duplication of the Western Highway Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan between Buangor and Stawell provides the following benefits: Regional Growth Plan
Opens up accessibility to the region. Plan Melbourne Economic advantages for the region as Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy the area can access Melbourne, Ports and other key destinations quicker and Cycling into the future more efficiently. Victoria’s trails strategy Improved road safety, including roadside facilities for fatigue management. WSM Regional Transport Plan
Improved road freight efficiency. WSM Regional Strategic Plan
Provides greater continuity of road WSM Grey Spots Strategy alignment to the region to fit with the overall Western Highway duplication. WSM Arterial Routes Strategy
Improved travel times and costs. Council Plans
Estimated Cost $500 million
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Project: Western Highway safety and efficiency improvements – Stawell to SA border
Project description Problem identification The specific elements of this project The Western Highway is a key east west interstate route are not set and further planning is providing the primary freight route between Melbourne, required to identify the most Adelaide and Perth. The road travels through the region appropriate and cost effective providing a road connection for major industries and local treatments to improve road safety and residents. vehicle efficiency. These solutions are In the near-term duplication of the Western Highway is aimed to be interim term solutions with planned as far as Stawell. While the longer term goal is to the ultimate aim to duplicate the length duplicate the highway through to the South Australian of the Western Highway within border, this would be uneconomic in the short term. Victoria. A series of measures are proposed to add to safety and Improved overtaking opportunities improve efficiency in this section of the Western Highway along the Western Highway with as a prelude to longer-term duplication. possible improvements such as 2+1 or 2+2 in particular places is a potential Some significant improvements have recently been solution to improve safety and completed between Stawell and the SA Border, however efficiency along this section. further opportunities to improve freight efficiency and road user safety, including:
Increase the number of passing lanes provided. Improved rest areas.
Installation of more wire rope barriers to minimise the impact of run-off-road collisions.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
Providing safety and efficiency Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan improvements along the Western Highway beyond the proposed Regional Growth Plan duplication sections (between Stawell Plan Melbourne and the SA border) provides the following benefits: Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy Improved road safety. Cycling into the future Improved road freight efficiency. Victoria’s trails strategy Improved travel times and costs. WSM Regional Transport Plan
WSM Regional Strategic Plan
WSM Grey Spots Strategy
WSM Arterial Routes Strategy
Council Plans
Estimated Cost
TBC
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Project: Henty Highway improvements – Horsham to Lascelles
Project description Problem identification The project involves sealing shoulders The Henty Highway is a key north south route for the and improving pavement roughness western region of Victoria and travels through the along the Henty Highway from Horsham Wimmera Southern Mallee Region. It connects the through to Lascelles. Sunraysia Highway in Lascelles to the Port of Portland passing through regional towns, including Horsham. The
highway is a primary freight route providing the connection, for export products, to Dooen and Portland.
The Henty Highway is classified an ‘A’ Class Road south of Horsham and a ‘B’ Class road north of Horsham. Hence for the section of road between Horsham and Lascelles, the pavement width and condition is considerably different to the pavement conditions south of Horsham.
It has been identified that for the section of the Henty Highway between Horsham and Lascelles, the sealed pavement width is not sufficient to allow vehicles to pass heavy vehicles. This means that when passing other vehicles, commercial vehicles need to travel at reduced speeds and veer onto the unsealed shoulder. These travel behaviours create road safety concerns, freight vehicle efficiency issues and pavement drop offs and increases the maintenance effort for the pavement.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
The proposed improvements along the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan Henty Highway between Horsham and Lascelles provides the following Regional Growth Plan benefits: Plan Melbourne Improved commercial vehicle efficiency and travel time. Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy
Improved road safety. Cycling into the future
Reduced maintenance costs for Victoria’s trails strategy pavement reconstruction due to pavement drop off etc. WSM Regional Transport Plan
Improved efficiencies for export WSM Regional Strategic Plan products to markets. WSM Grey Spots Strategy
WSM Arterial Routes Strategy
Council Plans
Estimated Cost $16 million
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Project: Grampians Peaks Trail
Project description Problem identification The project involves construction of 144 km The Grampians National Park is a major walking trail through the Grampians National national park within Victoria and is listed on Park (Gariwerd) from Mount Zero in the north the Australian Heritage List. to the township of Dunkeld in the south. The Grampians attracts numerous visitors for The route and visitor information have not trekking and other outdoor activities each been set but will be undertaken as part of the year. However the infrastructure to support master plan which is being undertaken by this type of tourism is poor, with limited Grampians Peak Trail Taskforce. connecting paths and the ability to utilise these paths all through the year. The Grampians Peaks Trail will unite a disparate collection of existing tracks into a The Grampians Peaks Trail will be a world- unified and identifiable trail beginning at Mount class, long distance walking experience, Zero in the north and finishing at Dunkeld in showcasing the Park’s natural and cultural the south. Visitors can undertake the walk at landscapes. It will be one of the great icon any time of year. walks of Australia with an estimated visitation of 23,000 people per year by 2020.
In 2015 the trail will generate an estimated $2.55 million, increasing to $6.39 million by 2025.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
The proposed walking trail through the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan Grampians provides the following benefits: Regional Growth Plan Improved walking track connectivity throughout the year. Plan Melbourne Increased tourism. Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy Increased economic activity within the Cycling into the future region. Improved active transport and outdoor Victoria’s trails strategy activity for the region which provides WSM Regional Transport Plan health benefits. WSM Regional Strategic Plan
WSM Grey Spots Strategy
WSM Arterial Routes Strategy
Council Plans
Estimated Cost $27 million
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Project: Mildura to Ports (rail standardisation)
Project description Problem identification The project involves standardising a The efficiency of the supply chain to ports is a key issue rail line between Mildura to the port in international competitiveness and the balance of road of Geelong and/or Portland that and rail mode share is a key issue in cost and impacts travels through the Wimmera on regional infrastructure. Southern Mallee Region. The rail network provides considerable potential to The alignment of the rail line is alleviate the strained road network thereby balancing dependent on the outcome of the the mode use to provide maximum benefits and to business case for the Murray Basin increase the competitiveness of logistics for the region. project. The rail lines within the western area of Victoria are a mixture of broad and standard gauges. This causes difficulty in efficiencies for rail transportation of products from this region to ports. Therefore standardising a rail line along the corridor between Mildura and the Port of Geelong and/or Port of Portland. The project is included as a recommendation within the Murray Basin Regional Freight Demand and Infrastructure Study. The project has identified four potential rail standard gauge options that involve a range of upgrades and are along slightly different alignments. This project has been funded for $220 million and the next step is to develop a business case to identify the preferred option.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
The standardisation of rail between Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan Mildura and the Port of Geelong / Port of Portland provides the Regional Growth Plan following benefits: Plan Melbourne Increased freight efficiency. Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy Reduced travel times and operating costs. Cycling into the future
A reduction of trucks due to a Victoria’s trails strategy mode shift to rail. WSM Regional Transport Plan Community amenity improvement due to fewer WSM Regional Strategic Plan vehicles on the road. WSM Grey Spots Strategy Reduced road maintenance and accidents costs. WSM Arterial Routes Strategy
Increased rail provider Council Plans competition.
Estimated Cost
$220 million
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Project: Horsham Bypass (Western Highway)
Project description Problem identification The Western Highway travels through the The Western Highway is a key east west route middle of Horsham and the project providing the primary freight route between proposes to realign the highway to bypass Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. the township. The efficiency of this road corridor affects the The alignment of the bypass has not been efficiency of regional production and hence the set and needs to be determined to allow for long term viability of regional towns and future growth of the township that is industries. compatible with the future realignment. Currently the Western Highway travels through The bypass will involve constructing a new the middle of the Horsham township. This results highway to the northeast or southwest of in through traffic along the highway being the township. required to slow down through the township and potentially stop at a number of signalised The bypass is likely to remove the number intersections. of the signals that vehicles are required to travel through when travelling along the The highway through the township increases the highway. safety risk due to the number of vehicles (including a high percentage of heavy vehicles) and pedestrians crossing this major highway. Additionally, the highway creates a barrier through the township which cause connectivity issue and divide the township. This has issues for vehicle, cyclists and pedestrian accessibility for residents of Horsham and amenity issues.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
The proposed Horsham bypass (Western Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan Highway) provides the following benefits: Regional Growth Plan Increased freight efficiency. Plan Melbourne Reduced travel times and operating costs. Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy Improved road safety. Cycling into the future Improved connectivity and liveability for the township with the removal of Victoria’s trails strategy highway division. WSM Regional Transport Plan
WSM Regional Strategic Plan
WSM Grey Spots Strategy
WSM Arterial Routes Strategy
Council Plans
Estimated Cost
$260 million
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Project: Capacity improvements to the Adelaide-
Melbourne railway line
Project description Problem identification The project is proposed to be undertaken in a The Adelaide to Melbourne railway line is a number of stages over the short, medium and key route for freight transportation between long term to improve freight efficiency. These the two cities. steps include: Currently train lengths are dictated by the 1 - 5 years - 5 new and/or extended number and length of existing passing loops, passing loops to 1800m. resulting in reduced capacity on the line.
5 - 10 years - Signalling Additionally, efficiency of the rail line and Improvements. Replacement of 47kg capacity for both freight and passenger rail to rail with new heavier rail. operate at realistic and convenient timeframes is impacted by less than optimal signalling. 10-20 years – Double stacking of rail freight. Ultimately the provision for double stacking of containers on rail will increase freight efficiency with more freight being moved with fewer trains.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
The proposed capacity improvements along Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan the Adelaide-Melbourne railway line provides the following benefits: Regional Growth Plan
Increased number of longer trains Plan Melbourne (1800m) are able to travel along the route. Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy Increased volume of freight which can Cycling into the future be transported per train/per train path Victoria’s trails strategy due to the increased length of trains. Increased number of trains that can WSM Regional Transport Plan travel along the line. WSM Regional Strategic Plan Reduction of transit times for freight. WSM Grey Spots Strategy Higher productivity for freight vehicles due to the increased axle loads each WSM Arterial Routes Strategy train can accommodate. Council Plans
Estimated Cost
Short term stage: $25M passing loops Medium term stage: $158M re-rail
Long term stage: TBC for signalling upgrade & double stacking.
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Project: Henty Highway improvements –
Horsham to Portland
Project description Problem identification Increased maintenance of the Henty Highway The Henty Highway is a key north-south route is required to improve the efficiency of for the western region of Victoria and travels commercial vehicles through to the port. through the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region. The Henty Highway connects the The maintenance is primarily related to Sunraysia Highway in Lascelles to the Port of pavement conditions such as cracking through Portland passing through a number of the pavement, potholes and shoulders regional towns including Horsham. breaking away. The Henty Highway is classified an ‘A’ Class Road south of Horsham and a ‘B’ Class road north of Horsham.
The section of the Henty Highway south of Horsham is a key freight route connecting Horsham to the Port of Portland.
Many sections along this length of the road have been identified to be deteriorating due to increased occurrences of potholes and rough patches.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
Improved maintenance of the Henty Highway Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan between Horsham and Portland provides the following benefits: Regional Growth Plan
Improved efficiency and reduced freight Plan Melbourne costs. Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy Improved economies for freight travelling along the Henty Highway which allows Cycling into the future these commodities to be more Victoria’s trails strategy competitive on the national and global market. WSM Regional Transport Plan Improved road safety. WSM Regional Strategic Plan Efficient movement of export products to market. WSM Grey Spots Strategy WSM Arterial Routes Strategy
Council Plans
Estimated Cost TBC
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Project: Grampians Ring Road
Project description Problem identification The project is located around the The Grampians National Park is a major national park perimeter of the Grampians National within Victoria and is listed on the Australian Heritage Park and involves the five adjacent List. Councils, plus Parks Victoria. The arterial road network does not pass close by the The project consists of upgrading the Grampians National Park for the majority of the route. roads which currently form a perimeter Additionally there is a lack of a safe alternative road of the national park to provide a routes around the Grampians for vehicles, mainly for the defined ring route. These roads are a east, north and western sides where the existing routes combination of arterial and local roads are unclear, unsafe, not linked and parts are unsealed. and need to be upgraded to a similar Caravans especially cannot travel over the top of the standard to allow for private vehicles mountains and generally do not travel along unsealed and caravans to travel safely along the gravel roads, therefore the number of routes for these route. Key upgrades include safety vehicles are limited. The proposed route uses local improvements, signing of various roads where possible to provide a shorter route in close roads and pavement upgrades and proximity to the Grampians forming a ring around the widening on some of the roads. base.
The poor road connections impact on the number of tourists that are attracted to the region and the enjoyment of the travel for many that do visit the national park. Additionally, as there are only a few areas that are easily accessible for tourists it results in particular areas being overcrowded and utilised and other areas unexplored.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
The benefits of the Grampians Ring Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan Road project include: Regional Growth Plan Increased tourism through the region. Plan Melbourne Increased visitation dispersal. Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy Creation of tourism investment Cycling into the future opportunities.
Provides an alternative route Victoria’s trails strategy around the park. WSM Regional Transport Plan
WSM Regional Strategic Plan
WSM Grey Spots Strategy
WSM Arterial Routes Strategy
Council Plans
Estimated Cost $8 million
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Project: Rainbow rail line upgrade
Project description Problem identification The project involves upgrading the Rainbow rail The Rainbow rail line, between Dimboola line. The project comprises of two sections. The and Rainbow, currently has a lower axle load section of track between Dimboola and Rainbow of 19 tonnes compared to the track this it needs to be upgraded to carry heavier, more connect to (ultimately connecting to the Port efficient wagons by increasing the allowable of Geelong) has an axle load of 21 tonnes. mass from 19 tonnes axle load (TAL) to 21 The section of track between Rainbow and tonnes axle loads (TAL). Yaapeet currently does not have a regular Higher axle loads result in more grain being rail freight service and needs to be upgraded carried in each wagon and therefore improved before this can occur. This results in all grain operating efficiency. The ARTC mainline is generated in the grain growing catchment of currently 23 tonne axle load which means that Yaapeet to be transported by road. remote sites such as Rainbow that are restricted The upgrades of the line will provide for to 19 tonne axle load are disadvantaged. greater efficiency in the rail supply chain and The section of track between Rainbow and reduce the number of trucks on the road. If Yaapeet also needs to be upgraded to allow for the upgrades are not completed it will impact grain freight services. The total cost to Councils on the road maintenance, road safety and to upgrade the local road component to meet amenity of the local communities. This would the needs of the additional trucks and provide lead to further arterial and local road the roads with a 25 year life is around $1.35 upgrades to maintain the structural integrity million. of the roads and to accommodate the volume of freight vehicles required to transport the grain.
Project benefits Relevance to other WSM strategies
The benefits of the Rainbow rail line upgrade Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan include: Regional Growth Plan Increased competitiveness for the rail transport of grain from the region. This is Plan Melbourne also likely to result in supply chain efficiencies for the grain industry. Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy
A reduction of trucks on the roads due to Cycling into the future a mode shift to rail. Victoria’s trails strategy Community amenity improvement. WSM Regional Transport Plan Reduced road maintenance costs. WSM Regional Strategic Plan Reduced road accident costs.
Reduced environmental externality costs. WSM Grey Spots Strategy
The project is consistent with the WSM Arterial Routes Strategy Victorian Government objective of Council Plans growing freight on rail and the Victorian
Freight and Logistics Plan (VFLP).
Estimated Cost
$5. 6 million – Dimboola to Rainbow. $1.7 million – Rainbow to Yaapeet.
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7. Wimmera Southern Mallee regional issues and projects
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Region is a large agricultural region with a heavy reliance on road as the primary mode of transport. As a consequence there are a number of issues associated with the transport network and the freight supply chain efficiency. The projects presented in Section 5 and 6 of this report are key projects for the region. There are the projects that have been identified to be specific projects that can be prioritised. However during this process a number of broader type projects have been identified which are not specific enough to be included within the prioritisation process. They are still considered critical issues within the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region and require further consideration by the State. These broader projects are likely to be a combination of numerous specific smaller projects that together solve the wider issue. The following section discusses these further issues that face the Wimmera Southern Mallee transport network.
7.1 Products to market
Many local and arterial roads play a key role in transporting goods both around and through the Wimmera Southern Mallee region. A number of these routes are not at an appropriate standard for the current freight task, in part due to issues such as width, construction standard, bridges, culverts and alignment. In some instances these routes are unavoidable for users as they are the first and/or last mile of the freight journey. The use of routes not fit for purpose has cost implications for both the freight companies using the routes in loss of productivity, safety and efficiency and the road controlling authority in increased construction and maintenance costs. The issue of local roads not being suitable for the vehicles that are travelling along these roads is becoming more evident as the volume of on-farm storage is increasing after the deregulation of the grain industry. Through the development of a specific plan to address moving products to market, a number of routes have been identified that should be improved or upgraded to accommodate B-double and/or HPFV to improve efficiency and safety for freight movements and other users. However, it is critical that investment is prioritised and directed to areas of the network to serve the freight task in the most efficient and effective manner.
A First and Last Mile Regional Freight Strategy incorporating local and arterial road routes should be prepared and would consider the freight task for the region, including freight that travels through the region. It would examine the type and quantity of freight being moved, the mode and route it takes, factors that generate demand for freight and other relevant data. The strategy should consider both arterial and local roads and in particular address the routes that have been raised in the development of this strategy, refer to the project listing in Appendix A.
7.2 Maintenance of ‘C’ class roads
‘C’ Class roads are essential for the road network within the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region. These roads are of strategic importance to local government as they provide the links from the local roads to the arterial road network. They are utilised to transport freight products from local industry and agriculture between farms and the arterial network and by local residents and tourists to travel between townships.
‘C’ Class roads are the third tier of VicRoads owned and managed roads. Maintenance of these roads is an issue due to the large number of kilometres of road to be maintained and limited maintenance
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budgets for all ‘C’ Class roads throughout Victoria. Additionally, the number of large vehicles utilising these roads to access farms and other private properties has increased significantly over the last 10 years due to many farmers owning semi-trailers and b-doubles to transport their products. These additional large vehicles create further wear on the ‘C’ Class roads which results in pavement failure particularly on the shoulders.
A number of deficiencies within the roads have been identified by the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region which has been outlined in the Wimmera Regional Transport Group Arterial Road (‘C’ Route) Strategy. This strategy assessed all ‘C’ Class roads within the region and identified roads that have deficiencies within the general requirements of ‘C’ Class roads which include: Pavement seal width.
Pavement roughness.
Alignment of intersections. Roadside hazards/vegetation management.
Edge breaks and shoulder maintenance.
Lack of consistent, delineation with centrelines and edge lines. Narrow structures.
Isolated load limited structures.
The Region views the ongoing maintenance and improvement of ‘C’ Class roads as vital for the road network. However, they also consider this has to be undertaken in conjunction with continual maintenance and improvements of other higher order arterial roads and local roads. The Region acknowledge there are a vast number of roads that need improvements and will continue to work with VicRoads to obtain further funding to be able to progress on these projects. However, the Region view these upgrades and general maintenance as required projects in the short term rather than the medium to long term, to allow for efficient movement of freight, local residents and tourists throughout the region and therefore obtaining funding for these projects is a critical issue for the region.
7.3 Access to services
Councils have identified the need for new, improved and/or expanded public transport services within the region, including public transport access to other parts of the state.
There are limited public transport connections for residents within smaller towns and rural areas which impacts on the accessibility of services located within larger towns. There are no passenger rail connections within the region and bus services for many of the towns are infrequent and operate at inconsiderate timelines making connection to facilities that are only offered in regional centres difficult to access. Consequently, it has been identified that there is a need to provide greater access to public transport for connections to the regional centres (within the area) of Swan Hill, Horsham, Bendigo and Ballarat.
A key public transport accessibility issue the region has raised is the limited rail connectivity to Melbourne and/or other key destinations within the western areas of Victoria. The region’s councils are currently developing a business case for the re-introduction of rail services for the Wimmera Southern Mallee and South West regions of Victoria.
It will be important for the region to continue to work closely with Public Transport Victoria in the development of any regional public transport network development plans. This will ensure that the region’s public transport needs are taken into consideration in all future public transport service reviews and planning with early implementation of bus services in growth areas. It may also be necessary to consider other avenues to provide residents with access to services, particularly those in the smaller towns in the region.
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7.4 Network Resilience
The Western Highway is the key east west interstate route providing the primary road freight route between Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The road also provides key access to and from and within the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region.
As a result of accidents and/or emergencies there are times when the highway is closed in one or both directions and diversions need to be put in place onto the lesser arterial routes. Due to the volume of vehicles travelling along the Western Highway and the high proportion of heavy vehicles, diversions from the highway need to be taken into consideration when planning works on these diversion routes. Regular maintenance and additional specific treatments of these routes is required to ensure the routes are able to accommodate the traffic from the Western Highway when a diversion is required to be implemented. Treatments of these roads may include additional widening and strengthening of the carriageway, improved line marking and other safety improvements to accommodate the level of traffic as a result of the diversion from the highway.
7.5 Rail crossing removal and upgrade program
VicTrack’s Rail Crossing Removal Program will guide the identified project for the development of a program of removal of level crossings. This program identifies Lakes Road Stawell, Stawell- Warracknabeal Road, Glenorchy; Donald-Murtoa Road, Donald; Griffith Street, Stawell; David Ave, Nhill and Nhill-Jeparit Road, Nhill as amongst the highest priorities for attention in the Wimmera Southern Mallee. This strategy supports the ongoing implementation of this program.
7.6 Road Making Materials
The Wimmera Southern Mallee has a specific challenge related to the limited sources of quality quarry products for road construction and maintenance. Competition between various industries for the same limited construction products has resulted in increased transport construction costs. Not only does this impact on the cost of road construction material, the impacts of moving this material from further afield has a direct impact on the transport network that it is carted on. This issue impacts on VicRoads, local council and private industry projects. More planning is required to identify quality sources within close proximity to the Wimmera Southern Mallee to increase competition and reduce freight movements of quarry product.
7.7 Tourism
Tourism is a key generator for the region and it is highlighted within the regional growth plan as an area for growth within the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region.
A key element of tourism within the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region is focused on walking, cycling and outdoor activities. Active Transport is therefore a primary element that needs to be developed and improved to allow for the growth of this type of tourism and economic benefits for the region.
In addition to the economic drivers of tourism, active transport also has many health and environmental benefits and there are a range of activities that can utilise the same transport infrastructure to accommodate a variety of ages and physical ability.
The active transport infrastructure also provides for the local communities to be enjoying the area they live in, in a healthy way and/or utilising the infrastructure as a route to travel via walking or cycling.
7.8 Sustainability of the airport network
Airports are a key element of the transport network for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region. There are a number of airports throughout the region and it is necessary to have a flexible network within the region to allow for essential services such as the flying doctor and/or fly-in and fly-out specialist
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medical practitioners. Additionally, many of the airports support economic growth of the region through growth of agricultural businesses such as crop spraying and allow for delivery of parts/supplies and/or people for efficient use of resources within the region. Recently CASA has completed an audit of the majority of the airports and identified a number of improvements required to be undertaken to meet the current standards for the existing or proposed uses. While, the region acknowledges there are a number of upgrades required, each airport provides for the local area and to build an air transport network for the region.
The airports within the region include:
Birchip. Nhill. Charlton. Patchewollock. Donald. Sea Lake. Edenhope. Stawell. Hopetoun. St Arnaud. Horsham. Warracknabeal. Kaniva. Wycheproof. Details of the key issues and improvements required for each airport are provided in Appendix C.
7.9 Alignment with the Murray Basin rail project (Mildura to ports rail standardisation)
This project is examining opportunities to enhance the role of rail in supporting freight movements from the Murray Basin, including to export gateways at the Victorian ports of Geelong and Portland.
It identifies opportunities to improve the productivity of the rail network to alleviate pressure on the road network through standardisation of rail gauges and providing for higher axle loads. Four options for change are identified:
A new link from Lascelles to Hopetoun and standardisation of the Mildura line north of Lascelles.
A new link from Litchfield to Minyip and standardisation of the Mildura line north of Donald.
Standardisation of the line from Geelong to Mildura (via Ballarat and Maryborough) and the branch lines to Sea Lake and Manangatang.
Standardisation of the line from Maryborough to Mildura and the branch lines to Sea Lake and Manangatang. This option would also require refurbishment of the existing standard gauge Maryborough to Ararat line.
The Government has announced funding for the standardisation of the railway to Mildura in the 2014- 15 budget. This includes finalising the business case for the standardisation of the Mildura line which will allow network access from Mildura to Portland. It will also provide for upgrades which will support heavier train loads. In the short term there will be maintenance to the Mildura and Hopetoun lines to ensure they are fit for purpose. The outcomes of the project will impact on the Wimmera Southern Mallee depending on the preferred line or lines selected for standardisation. The Wimmera Southern Mallee group of councils strongly support this project and improving rail access for the region. The project also highlights the impacts on the road network and recommends a joint assessment of road conditions by Councils, VicRoads and DTPLI to assist in prioritisation of needs. This aligns with the First and Last Mile Regional Freight Strategy as outlined in Section 5.1 and should be adopted to improve road freight movements through the region.
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7.10 Emerging industries
7.10.1 Mineral sands
The Murray Basin region is rich in mineral resources, mineral sands exploration and mining in this region is rapidly increasing. A key to the success of these ventures is the economic and efficient transport of product from source to processing to ports, or direct from source to ports.
Mineral sands are a bulk product and the most efficient way to shift bulk products over distance is by rail. To accommodate the increasing freight task that will arise from the mineral sands exploration, mining and processing upgrades to both the road and rail networks will be required to ensure the transport network is capable of managing the task. Planning for and development of infrastructure upgrades is supported and promoted as a vital component in the success of the mineral sands ventures.
The upgrades to the Mildura to Maryborough and Hopetoun to Murtoa lines to increase axle loads and future standardisation on the Mildura to Geelong lines will be a significant contributor to providing more efficient freight transport in the region.
Additionally specific upgrades will likely be required to accommodate projects such as the proposed WIM150 mine approximately 20 km south east of Horsham, which is expected to produce 865,000 tonne of mineral to be exported over a 60 year time period. The mineral will be transported by road either to the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) at Dooen, or directly to ports. The transportation of this material will be on a combination of local roads and arterial roads to travel between the required origins and destinations. Upgrades specific to this project will include upgrades to roads to a standard suitable for large volumes of B-double traffic between the site and the WIFT (approx. $4m) to avoid transporting product through Horsham City and a new, or upgraded, access to the Western Highway ($ TBC) to ensure safety and efficiency for all traffic on the Western Highway.
7.10.2 Wind farms
The alternate energy sector is a growing industry within Australia and wind farms have been a key component of this sector. Wind farm operations are usually monitored remotely and therefore typically have minimal operational impacts to the road network. However, the transport infrastructure requirements during construction are generally significant due to the large heavy components to be transported to the farm. The impacts vary depending on the size of the development and the location of the quarries used. Larger developments require significant lengths of roads to be constructed which requires considerable volumes of construction material being sourced from quarries. The transport infrastructure impacts associated with construction of a wind farm are therefore two-fold: 1. Transportation of the wind turbines.
2. Transportation of road construction material from the quarry to the proposed site.
The management and approval of the wind farm sites will need to address the road network impacts associated with development. The wind farm industry does not require any specific transport infrastructure to be constructed in order for sites to be progressed; however in the construction phase, the number of heavy vehicles trips greatly impacts the road condition, which then impacts the movement of other commodities. Thus the maintenance program of current arterial roads needs to consider construction programs and allocate funding accordingly. Traffic Management Plans (TMPs) and onsite quarrying are two elements that need to be considered carefully to minimise the impacts on the local road network. These processes require approval from the relevant local councils and state government authorities.
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Appendices
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Appendix A – Project list
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Western Highway Infrastructure Road Duplicate the Western Highway between The Western Highway is a key east west route providing $500 million Short (0-5 duplication to Stawell Buangor and Stawell which includes provision the primary freight route between Adelaide and yrs) (Buangor to Stawell) for two lanes in each direction with a central Melbourne. median. Intersection upgrades to improve road safety and facilitate the efficient movement of traffic are also planned. Western Highway Infrastructure Road Improved overtaking opportunities along the The increasing traffic volumes on the Western Highway TBC Medium (5- safety and efficiency western highway with possible improvements result in reduced safe opportunities to overtake. The 15 yrs) improvements - such as 2+1 or 2+2 in particular places ultimate effect is that cost to move freight is increasing Stawell to SA border Henty Hwy Infrastructure Road The project involves sealing shoulders and Commercial vehicles need to travel at reduced speeds to $16 million Medium (5- improvements - improving roughness along the Henty Highway be able to stay within the sealed section of the hwy, 15 yrs) Horsham to Lascelles. from Horsham through to Lascelles resulting in these vehicles regularly veering onto the unsealed shoulder which creates pavement drop offs and increases maintenance costs
Grampians Peak Trail Infrastructure Active Transport The project involves construction of 144 km Poor infrastructure to support trekking tourism through $ 27 million Medium (5- walking trail through the Grampians National the Grampians National Park. The Grampians Peaks 15 yrs) Park (Gariwerd) from northern extent to Trail will unite a disparate collection of existing tracks southern extent of park. into a unified and identifiable trail beginning at Mount Zero in the north and finishing at Dunkeld in the south. Visitors can undertake the walk at any time of year. Mildura to Ports Rail Infrastructure Rail Standardisation of the Mildura Rail line for: Improve the efficiency of the supply chain to ports with a $220 million Short (0-5 Standardisation - direct rail link to Portland and Geelong Ports balance between road and rail. Provide cost effective yrs) for export freight access to Ports of Portland and Geelong. Provide potential to alleviate the strained road network moving containerised produce from Mildura and Donald Intermodal, - containerised mineral sands from Mallee Sand Mines and bulk grain export from grain receival facilities along the line. Horsham Bypass Infrastructure Road Realign the Western Highway within the vicinity The Western Highway forms the key road link between $260 million Long (15+ of Horsham to bypass the township Melbourne and Adelaide and connects the regional yrs) centres along the corridor with services and the sales and export markets for goods produced in the region. The efficiency of this road corridor affects the efficiency of regional production and hence the long term viability of regional towns and industries. Problems being addressed: Safety and freight efficiency.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Capacity Infrastructure Rail 1 - 5 years - 5 New and/or extended passing Currently train lengths are dictated by the number and $25M Short (0-5 improvements to the loops to 1800m length of existing passing loops, resulting in reduced passing loops yrs) and Adelaide - Melbourne 5 - 10 years - Signalling Improvements capacity on the line. Less than optimal signalling and rail $158M re-rail Medium (5- railway line Replacement of 47kg rail with new heavier Rail capacity impacts on rail efficiency and capacity for freight TBC for 15 yrs) 10 - 20 years - Double staking of rail freight and passenger rail. Ultimately the provision for double signalling stacking of containers on rail will increase freight upgrade & efficiency with more freight being moved with fewer double trains. stacking. Henty Hwy Infrastructure Road Increased maintenance of the Henty Highway The Henty Highway is deteriorating due to increased TBC Short (0-5 Improvements - to improve the efficiency of commercial vehicles occurrences of potholes and rough patches. yrs) Horsham to Portland through to the port. Grampians Ring Road Infrastructure Road- The project is located around the perimeter of The arterial road network does not pass close by the $8 million Medium (5- Passenger/Private the Grampians National Park and would involve Grampians National Park for the majority of the route 15 yrs) all five adjacent Councils, plus Parks Victoria. and the lack of a safe alternative road route around the The project consists of the upgrading, safety Grampians for vehicles, mainly for the east, north and improvements and signing of various arterial western sides where the existing routes are unclear, and local roads to create a defined ring route unsafe, not linked and parts are unsealed. Caravans around the outer base of the Grampians especially cannot travel over the top of the mountains ranges. and do not like gravel roads. The proposed route uses local roads where possible to provide a shorter route in close proximity to the Grampians. Poor infrastructure to support access to and promotion of tourist attractions around the Grampians National Park. Development of a tourist route will encourage tourist attraction and dispersal and the further development of tourist attractions. Many Grampians attractions are accessible only via gravel or other un-sealed roads. Dimboola to Rainbow Infrastructure Rail-Freight The project involves upgrading the rail tracks to Higher axle loads result improved operating efficiency. $5.6 million Short (0-5 rail line axle load carry heavier more efficient wagons by The ARTC mainline is currently 23 TAL which means yrs) upgrade increasing the allowable mass from 19 tonnes that remote sites such as Rainbow which are restricted axle load (TAL) to axel 21 loads (TAL). to 19 TAL are disadvantaged. The result is grain is tending to bypass the Rainbow site resulting in underutilisation of the up-country grain handling facilities and more freight on country roads.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Rainbow-Yaapeet Rail Infrastructure Rail-Freight The proposed project aims to upgrade the The inability to use the Rainbow to Yaapeet section of $1.7 million Short (0-5 Line Upgrade section of rail line from Rainbow to Yaapeet to rail line for grain haulage will force all grain generated in yrs) allow rail freight services, in particular grain the Yaapeet catchment to be transported from Yaapeet transportation, between Rainbow and Yaapeet. by road. The total cost to Councils to upgrade the local road component to meet the needs of the additional trucks and provide the roads with a 25 year life is around $1.35m. The forecast cost to Local Government to maintain the Local Road component of the haul roads in their current state of construction and maintain the structural integrity of the recently constructed component to cater for the increase in traffic between Yaapeet Silos and Rainbow Rail Siding is $126,550 per year. The forecast cost to VicRoads to widen and strengthen the Arterial Road component of the haul roads between Yaapeet and Rainbow to cater for the increase in traffic is $4.68m in the next 5 years, with another $4m in years 6 to 10; then the cycle starts again after 25 years. Stawell to Halls Gap Infrastructure Active Transport Between Stawell West and Halls Gap, and The problem to be addressed is the lack of a safe route TBC Short (0-5 Walking/Cycling Route between Halls Gap and Pomonal. for cyclists between the destinations. The current route is yrs) The extent of the project is to construct along two very busy arterial roads, both of which have extensions to existing bicycle / foot paths to link narrow seal widths and unsealed shoulders for the these 3 key tourist destinations. majority of their length. A section of the Stawell to Halls Gap route [Grampians Rd] was widened recently, but it still has narrow shoulders and the rumble strip edge lines have not been moved out any appreciable distance, so it is still unsafe for inexperienced riders. Recreational cycling and walking is increasing in use, and is particularly relevant to the tourist destinations of Halls Gap and Pomonal. Visitors are ready and prepared for a recreational experience and have the time to undertake exploring the regions features by foot or bicycle. Halls Gap has several large school and church camps which all regularly use the existing path network throughout the year as part of their programs. The need for increased paths has been identified for many years and Council has been steadily adding to the Halls Gap path network. The Stawell Secondary College has constructed many kilometres of the Stawell end of the path over the past 10 years. This project would link them all together. Backpackers, families and children could all use a safe route away from the arterial road. Council has proved this with the successful Halls Gap off-path which now extends a total distance of around 8kms from the northern edge of Halls Gap through to the Bellfield dam.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Calder Hwy “Y” Infrastructure Road Squaring up of 4 poorly aligned Y intersections Road Safety Risk; Y intersections that impact on $500,000 Short (0-5 Intersections - Sea of local roads/arterial roads intersecting the desirable sight lines is a high risk on high speed rural yrs) Lake to Nandaly Calder Hwy between Sea Lake and Nandaly. roads. Ideally, all Y intersections should be squared up Calder Hwy / Baileys Rd (sealed) to maximise sight lines. Calder Hwy / Ninda – Turriff Rd (sealed) Calder Hwy / Patchewollock – Sea Lake Rd (sealed) Calder Hwy / Elliots Rd (gravel) Calder Hwy Infrastructure Road Improve pavement to eliminate roughness and Calder Hwy within Buloke Shire has very rough $2 million Short (0-5 Improvement – pavement failures. pavement and in recent times has deteriorated at a rapid yrs) Wycheproof to Sea Calder Hwy between Wycheproof and Sea rate. The level of roughness and amount of minor Lake Lake. pavement failures makes the ride between Wycheproof and Sea Lake very uncomfortable for the high volume of heavy vehicles, commercial vehicles and cars/caravans. Western Victorian Strategy/Study Active Transport The project is the staged establishment of a The project addresses the lack of connected tourism Part A Short (0-5 Iconic Walking Trail walking trail approximately 140 km in length infrastructure associated with the natural attractions of $ 80,000 yrs) for the (Horsham, Hindmarsh comprising rail trail, roadside trails and existing Little Desert National Park and the Wimmera River Part B - planning and West Wimmera). tracks. It includes camping facilities (walkers $120,000 study only), signage and interpretative for local Part C tourism opportunities and the natural $14 million environment. The project is from Horsham to Mount Arapiles to Lake Hindmarsh via Goroke, Little Desert National Park, Dimboola and Wimmera River. There are three parts to the project. Part A – Feasibility Study Part B – Master Plan Part C – Construction Hindmarsh Walking Infrastructure Active Transport The project includes a walking trail along the There are limited walking within Hindmarsh and this trail $300,000 0 Trail Project Wimmera River from Dimboola to Lake links existing areas to promote visitors to explore the Hindmarsh. The project will connect existing area beyond the immediate camp site area. camping areas and provide a cultural heritage The WSM Region requires tourism growth and there are tour of significant sites along the river and the limited tourist attractions. location of the 1st native title approved. Sea Lake Airport Infrastructure Air The project aims to upgrade and improve CASA has identified that upgrades of the Sea Lake $250,000 Short (0-5 Upgrade safety at the existing Sea Lake airport by Airport are required to meet the CASA Design yrs) providing a wider runway, a better surface for Standards. Recent inspections have identified that the unsealed main runway (09/27), grading of urgent maintenance action is required on the movement the taxiway (smoother surface) and a new wind areas including: weed removal, pavement repairs and sock. surface improvements on the main Runway. Unserviceability crosses are required to properly prepare for a runway closure and there is a need for a windsock.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Stawell Airport Infrastructure Air Project is based around the Stawell Airport, Existing airport was constructed in 1963 and few TBC Short (0-5 Airport Rd., Stawell improvements were made until 4 stages of a major yrs) Project includes future upgrades and upgrade costing around $4M were undertaken from 2010 extensions to airside infrastructure and to 2014. Those works have resulted in increased usage associated non-airside facilities, plus planning and expansion of businesses at the airport, as well as controls to protect aircraft approaches and upgraded airport infrastructure and aircraft safety take-off surfaces. improvements. Further planning is underway to undertake additional upgrades to encourage new business opportunities and enhance existing operators at the airport. In addition, DEPI is proposing to invest upwards of $0.5M on the existing fire base at the airport with upgraded facilities and airside works. The airport environs and aircraft circuit areas also need to be protected from inappropriate development that could restrict, endanger or affect the operation of aircraft at and around the airport. This work would involve changes to the planning scheme. Passenger Rail Strategy/Study Rail- An assessment to identify the feasibility to The existing passenger service from Melbourne to the $100,000 Short (0-5 Extension (shuttle rail Passenger/Private provide a shuttle rail service between Kaniva region is by train to Ararat, and then by bus. The higher yrs) service between and Ararat to meet with the existing rail service quality of service available by rail, compared to buses is Kaniva, Horsham and between Melbourne and Ararat. highly valued by passengers. The current overland Ararat) service between Melbourne and Adelaide stops at a couple of towns within the WSM Region, however the service is infrequent and therefore are not convenient for day trips to Melbourne. Dimboola to Rainbow Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening narrow sections The road has been identified to have a high volume of TBC Short (0-5 Road of the road. vehicles travelling along the road compared to other 'C' yrs) Class roads within the WSM Region (AADT 1,760, CV 180). Additionally, the road is a key north south truck route for the shire. Based on the recorded traffic volumes, it has been identified that the road is too narrow for the volume of vehicles utilising the road and needs to be widened to have sufficient pavement width to allow for a traffic lane in each direction. Seven Mile Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves a full reconstruction of the Seven Mile Road is an east-west freight route providing $2.3 million Short (0-5 road to a sealed two carriageway. Seven Mile better access to markets for local producers of grain and yrs) Road is located between St Arnaud- quarry products. The road also serves a primary access Wycheproof Road and River Road from Donald to the Charlton feedlot. The existing gravel road does not provide sufficient carriageway pavement for vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk on other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Charam-Wombelano Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widen, upgrade and The existing narrow seal does not provide sufficient $4.4 million Short (0-5 Road Upgrade to 6.2 strengthen the road pavement from one sealed carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy yrs) width, Wimmera Hwy traffic lane to two sealed traffic lanes to cater vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging to Goroke-Harrow for B-Doubles. The project is located on on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no Road Charam Wombelano Rd between Wimmera shoulders. Charam Wombelano Rd carries 120 vpd with Hwy and Goroke Harrow Rd. 30%CV. Edenhope-Coleraine Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves realignment of The intersection has a poor layout with a number of $60,000 Short (0-5 Road and the intersections and provide advance warning uncontrolled points of conflict. yrs) Wimmera Highway signage to reduced approach speeds and Intersection improve provisions for heavy vehicles to turn Improvements (C-class toward Horsham from the Coleraine Road and roads intersection) improved slip lane for left hand turn from Horsham direction. Goroke-Harrow Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widen, upgrade and The existing narrow seal does not provide sufficient $5 million Medium (5- Upgrade from strengthen the road pavement from one sealed carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy 15 yrs) Wimmera Highway to traffic lane to two sealed traffic lanes to cater vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging Nhill-Harrow Road for B-Doubles. on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Coleraine Edenhope Infrastructure Road-Freight The project is from Harrow to Coleraine and The existing narrow seal does not provide sufficient TBC Short (0-5 Rd Upgrade, south of involves pavement widening, shoulder carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy yrs) Harrow (C-class road) construction and safety improvements. vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Harrow Goroke Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project is intersection improvements The intersection is a ’Y’ intersection. Drivers of heavy $100,000 Short (0-5 and Nhill Harrow Rd including realignment and pavement widening. freight vehicles on Harrow Goroke Rd cannot sight to the yrs) Intersection left hand side for approaching vehicles. Improvements Nhill-Harrow Road / Infrastructure Road-Freight The project is a realignment of a cross road The problem is an angled cross-road intersection layout. $500,000 Short (0-5 Wimmera Highway intersection to a ‘Right-Left Staggered T yrs) Intersection Intersection’. Improvements Nhill-Harrow Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road Nhill Harrow Rd is a north-south freight route through the $4 million Short (0-5 Upgrade from Miga pavement: municipality providing access to markets for local yrs) Lake Access Road to - from one sealed traffic lane to two sealed producers of grain and quarry products. It carries 120 Coleraine Edenhope traffic lanes, and vpd with a 17% CV. The existing narrow seal does not Rd and through - from narrow sealed two lane road to design provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate Hindmarsh Shire standard sealed two lane road.. without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk to other road Council to Nhill users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Serviceton North Infrastructure Road-Freight Acceleration (slip) lanes on Western Hwy on Line of sight is restricted and slow heavy vehicles $700,000 Medium (5- Telopea Downs Road / the eastern side of the intersection. entering Western Hwy can pose a hazard to high speed 15 yrs) Western Highway Western Hwy traffic. Safety concerns cause some Intersection freight to take other less ‘fit for purpose’ routes.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Kaniva-Edenhope Infrastructure Road-Freight The project is from Kaniva (Western Highway The existing narrow seal on curves does not provide TBC Medium (5- Road Upgrade (C- intersection) to Edenhope (Wimmera Highway sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate without a 15 yrs) class road) intersection) and involves pavement widening, heavy vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by shoulder construction and safety improvements impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or upgrading of curved sections to meet a no shoulders. Poor pavement quality affects freight 100km/h standard, pavement rehabilitation to efficiency and safety. address unacceptable pavement roughness, and pavement strengthening on the to cope with the increase in heavy vehicle volumes. Sunraysia Highway Infrastructure Road The project involves sealing the shoulders and Four of the five recorded accidents along this section of TBC Short (0-5 Improvements - installing tactile edge lines and RRPM's along a road were run-off-road accidents. Three of the accidents yrs) between Pearses 10km section of Sunraysia Highway between involved vehicles leaving the carriageway on the right Road (south of Pearses Road (south of Donald) to Russell side, another involved leaving the carriageway on a right Donald) to Russell Road (north of Donald). The project also bend and one involved a vehicle leaving the carriageway Road (north of Donald) includes sealing intersection bell mouths and on the left side. The other accident involve a pedestrian. removing hazards that are within the clear All of the accidents occurred during daylight hours and zone. in dry conditions. Charlton Borung Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road Charlton Borung Road is an east west freight route TBC Short (0-5 Freight Route pavement from one sealed traffic lane to two providing access to markets for local producers of grain yrs) sealed traffic lanes. Charlton Borung Road is and quarry. The road has a high proportion of heavy between Charlton and Borung. vehicles and the narrow seal does not provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited to no shoulders. Watchupga Culgoa Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves a full construction of the Watchupga Culgoa Road is an east-west freight route $3.8 million Short (0-5 Road road to a sealed single lane carriageway. providing better access to markets for local producers of yrs) Watchupga Culgoa Road is located between grain and quarry products. The existing gravel pavement Birchip-Sea Lake Road and Berriwillock-Birchip does not provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to Road. operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk on other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Banyena Pimpinio Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road Banyena Pimpinio Rd is an east-west freight route $6 million Short (0-5 Road Freight Route pavement from one sealed traffic lane to two through the municipality providing better access to yrs) sealed traffic lanes. Banyena Pimpinio Road is markets for local producers, i.e. grain, seed and legumes situated between Banyena Silo Road and from farm to receival centres. Banyena Pimpinio Rd Yarriambiack Creek. carries 53 vpd with a 12% CV. The existing narrow seal does not provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Lascelles West Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road Lascelles West Rd and Sea Lake Lascelles Rd is an $5.5 million Short (0-5 between Hopetoun pavement from one sealed traffic lane to two east-west freight route through the municipality providing yrs) Walpeup Road and sealed traffic lanes. The project is located on better access to markets for local producers of grain and Sunraysia Hwy and Lascelles West Road between Hopetoun quarry products. Lascelles West Rd and Sea Lake Sea Lake Lascelles Walpeup Road and Sunraysia Highway, and Lascelles Rd carry 60 vpd with a 40% CV. The existing Road between Sea Lake Lascelles Road between Sunraysia narrow seal does not provide sufficient carriageway for Sunraysia Hwy and Highway and Ninda South West School Road It vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a Ninda South West is also a school and road freight Route. risk to other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Longerenong Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road Longerenong Rd is an east-west freight route through $1.3 million Short (0-5 Freight Route pavement from one sealed traffic lane to two the municipality providing better access to markets for yrs) sealed traffic lanes. Longerenong Road is local producers of grain. There are major grain receival situated between Murtoa Glenorchy Road and centres located near each end of the road. Longerenong Yarriambiack Creek. Rd carries 212 vpd with a 13.3% CV. The existing narrow seal does not provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Dimboola Minyip Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road Dimboola Minyip Road and Minyip Dimboola Road has $4.3 million Short (0-5 Freight Route pavement from one sealed traffic lane to two been identified as an east-west freight route through the yrs) sealed traffic lanes. The project is located on municipality linking central Victoria to western Victoria Dimboola Minyip Road between Geodetic Road and South Australia. It provides a route between and Henty Highway, and Minyip Dimboola Dimboola and St Arnaud that avoids major towns on the Road between Henty Highway and Stawell arterial network. Both roads carry 300 vpd with a 35% Warracknabeal Road. CV. The existing narrow seal does not provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Banyena Minyip Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road Minyip Banyena Rd has been identified as an east-west $1 million Short (0-5 Freight Route pavement from one sealed traffic lane to two freight route through the municipality linking central yrs) sealed traffic lanes. Banyena Minyip Road is Victoria to western Victoria and South Australia. It situated between Stawell Warracknabeal Road carries 300 vpd with a 35% CV. The existing narrow and Burrum Lawler Road, Minyip. seal does not provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Stawell Warracknabeal Infrastructure Road The project involves the signalisation of the rail Stawell Warracknabeal is a ‘B’ route under VicRoads $800,000 Short (0-5 Rd Rail Crossing at crossing. The project is located on Stawell road hierarchy and carries 90 heavy freight vehicles per yrs) Minyip Warracknabeal Road rail crossing near Minyip. day. The road speed limit reduces from 100km/h to 80km/h for the rail crossing. It is a major freight route for grain in and through the region. The rail crossing is controlled by a Stop sign on one approach requiring all vehicles to come to stop on a major rural road. WIM 150 Route Infrastructure Road The project is implementation of upgrades of Australian Zircon has announced the development of the $4 million Short (0-5 the transport network near Horsham to facilitate WIM 150 mineral sands approximately 20 km south-east yrs) the development of a major, long-term regional of Horsham. It is expected to produce 865,000 tonne of mining site. mineral to be exported. The mineral will be transported by road either to the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) at Dooen, or directly to port. The developer will be required to use local roads to access the arterial road network. These local roads will require significant upgrades and ongoing maintenance. If the option to rail freight from WIFT, the only arterial road route option is through Horsham, affecting the amenity of the city. Nature Tracks – Infrastructure Active Transport Links between regional towns and natural The existing facilities that serve the community and $800,000 Short (0-5 Pedestrian and Cycling features/nature walks that provide safe and low tourists that link the Shires towns with natural yrs) Facilities within Buloke maintenance infrastructure to cater for the features/nature walks must be fit-for-purpose. The Shire. pedestrian and bicycle needs to access and current level of infrastructure is below standard and in circulate the shires nature walks. i.e.… need of improvement to meet current demands. - Watchem to Lake Watchem - Birchip to Lake Tchum - Sea Lake to Green Lake - Donald River Walk - Charlton River Walk/Weir Culgoa Walking Trail Infrastructure Active Transport The proposed walking path will provide a The existing facilities that serve the community and $200,000 Short (0-5 pedestrian facility that connects the township of tourists that link the towns with community facilities must yrs) Culgoa to the sporting oval facilities and be fit-for-purpose. The current level of infrastructure is playground at the school before returning to the below standard and in need of improvement to meet township. The walking path itself will be a new current demands. recreational facility, and will improve pedestrian access for football, netball and playground facilities. User groups will include parents with prams, toddlers on bicycles, teenage and adult cyclists, large groups of walkers and dog walkers, altogether constituting a large percentage of the town’s population.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Sea Lake Walking Trail Infrastructure Active Transport The proposed walking path will provide a The existing facilities that serve the community and $200,000 Short (0-5 pedestrian facility that circumnavigates the tourists that link the towns with community facilities must yrs) township of Sea Lake and connects to the golf be fit-for-purpose. The current level of infrastructure is course, sporting oval facilities and playground below standard and in need of improvement to meet before returning to the township. The walking current demands. path itself will be a new recreational facility, and will improve pedestrian access for football, netball and playground facilities. The project has been developed with the Landcare group to provide an environmental walking trail. Wycheproof Walking Infrastructure Active Transport It is proposed to construct a car park on the The existing facilities that serve the community and $200,000 Short (0-5 Trail south side of Charles Street and approximately tourists that link the towns with community facilities must yrs) 1.2 kilometres of walking path to provide three be fit-for-purpose. The current level of infrastructure is paths to the top of Mount Wycheproof. The below standard and in need of improvement to meet paths would commence: at the school; adjacent current demands. the bus shelter in Show Street and at a The proposed walking path will provide a recreational proposed car park on the south side of Charles facility that connects existing footpaths from the township Street. The proposed car park will provide two of Wycheproof to the top of Mount Wycheproof. The bus parks and approximately 8 car parks. The proposed project has been promoted by the ‘Friends of paths will meander from the three starting the Mount’ group at Wycheproof. points to the top of Mt Wycheproof, with a circuit around the tower. The proposal also includes the provision of bench seats for rest breaks at the car park and on top of the mountain, and for a series of fitness equipment pieces to encourage use of the path as a fitness track and overall workout.
Stawell Bypass Infrastructure Road The ultimate project is the bypass of Stawell, The Western Highway forms the key road link between TBC Short (0-5 however an interim treatment is road Melbourne and Adelaide and connects the regional yrs) improvement works such as variable day/night centres along the corridor with services and the sales speed limits to assist with movement of night and export markets for goods produced in the region. time freight whilst providing a safe environment The efficiency of this road corridor affects the efficiency during the day with lower speed limits. of regional production and hence the long term viability of regional towns and industries. Problems being addressed: Safety and freight efficiency.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Henty Highway (Dooen Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves: Reduced collisions, and therefore casualties. Searle St is $300,000 Short (0-5 Road) – Searle Street - Installation of improved traffic control and identified as a collector road in HRCC’s Road yrs) Intersection pedestrian crossings. Management Plan. However, the community is - The works would probably include kerb accessing it to a greater extent than that. It serves as a realignments, median safety zone installation, short-cut from areas north of the Western Highway line marking, and road signs. (Baillie St) in central Horsham, and the Horsham North area to connect through to the Horsham 298 and Lutheran primary schools in the north-east of Horsham. Vehicles accessing this route have to negotiate the complex intersection which includes Dooen Road (Henty Highway), Sunnyside Avenue, Caroline St and Searle St. These three side roads are poorly aligned leading to increased collision risk at the intersection. Birchip-Corack Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road Birchip Corack Road is a local north south road that is $2.3 million Short (0-5 pavement by 1.2m. Birchip Corack Road is currently being used by highway traffic (including freight) yrs) located between the Sunraysia Highway and due to the poor condition of the pavement on the Donald-Swan Hill Road. Sunraysia Highway.The existing narrow seal does not provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk on other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Donald Murtoa Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves the upgrade of two The Donald Murtoa Road is a C Class road, which is a $1 million Short (0-5 sections of the road which include: significant northeast to south west link. The road yrs) - A 1.592km section between chainages provides a connection between Sunraysia Highway 28.152km to 29.744km. This section of road (Donald) and Wimmera Highway (Murtoa) and connects needs to be reconstructed to improve to the Henty Highway and the Western Highway. pavement conditions. Additionally, the road provides a connection to the Port -A 1.737km section between chainages of Portland. Sections of the road have been identified to 38.884km to 40.621km. This section of road be in poor condition which impact on the efficiency and needs to be reconstructed to improve safety of vehicles travelling along the road, particularly pavement conditions. large freight vehicles. The key issues with the pavement condition are roughness and failing pavement. Horsham to Natimuk Infrastructure Active Transport The project involves construction of a 25km There is no connection between Horsham and the $5 million Short (0-5 Regional Cycling Trail walking and cycling trail to connect Horsham Natimuk – Arapiles bike trail. Horsham is the major yrs) Project and Natimuk via active transport modes. transport, accommodation and retail hub. There is limited public transport provided between the towns and this provides and alternative mode of transport. Horsham to Green Infrastructure Active Transport The project involves construction of a 10 km This project connects Horsham to the recreational $1.5 million Short (0-5 Lake Regional Cycling walking and cycling trail to connect Horsham facilities at Green Lake. There is limited public transport yrs) Trail Project and Green Lake via active transport modes. provided between the towns and this provides and alternative mode of transport.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Horsham to Dooen Infrastructure Active Transport The project involves construction of a 9 km This project provides a safe off-road route to Dooen. $1.3 million Short (0-5 Regional Cycling Trail walking and cycling trail to connect Horsham There is limited public transport provided between the yrs) project and Dooen via active transport modes. towns and this provides and alternative mode of transport. Sunraysia Highway Infrastructure Road The project involves rehabilitation work on the The pavement roughness has been identified as a key TBC Short (0-5 Improvements north of pavement to address roughness for 2 km of issue of the road which results in a poor ride quality and yrs) Curyo and South east road length in the following locations: 530m safety impacts. Section of the Sunraysia Highway have of Donald past 360km marker to 32m past 361km marker, been identified to have a pavement roughness that is north of Curyo and South east of Donald: 500m unacceptable for the user. past 276km marker to 210m past Morgans Road. Mildura Passenger Infrastructure Rail- Return of passenger service. Mildura currently can only be accessed by bus or by TBC 0 Service Passenger/Private flying, however flying is rather expensive and the buses can be uncomfortable and restricted as the travel time is approximately 6 hours. Therefore the majority of people travelling to and from Mildura drive. A train service provides passengers with the opportunity to not drive whilst providing comfort for the long journey. Borung Highway Infrastructure Road The project involves road widening to achieve a The road is less than 6m wide of sealed pavement which $2.2 million Short (0-5 minimum of 6m width for a total of 10km in is below the minimum requirement for this type of road, yrs) length of road, in the following segments: with sections of the existing seal as narrow as 5m. This -chainage 32km to 34km. narrow seal width is causing the edge of the pavement to -chainage 57km-60km. crack and break which creates safety issues along the -chainage 60km to 65km. road. -chainage 28km to 41km. Western Highway Infrastructure Road Duplication of the length of the Western The Western Highway is a key east west route providing TBC Long (15+ duplication to the SA Highway until the South Australian boarder. the primary freight route between Adelaide and yrs) border Melbourne. The high percentage of heavy vehicles create difficult opportunities for other vehicles to pass and create perceived road safety issues. Additionally, as the road is not divided the risk of head on collisions is high and fatigue could cause serious collisions. Warracknabeal Birchip Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves the upgrade of a 1.330km The Warracknabeal Birchip Road is a C class road, $400,000 Short (0-5 Road section between chainages 6.790km to which connects major Graincorp receival centres at yrs) 8.120km. This section of road needs to be Birchip and Warracknabeal. Additionally, there is a large reconstructed to improve pavement conditions. private grain storage located on Warracknabeal Birchip Road.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Hopetoun Airport Infrastructure Air The proposed project aims to upgrade the The Hopetoun Airport is one of only 2 registered in $2 million - Short (0-5 Upgrade (Airports) existing Hopetoun airport infrastructure to Yarriambiack shire and services the relatively isolated $3 million yrs) provide two sealed runways, a north-south but third largest township in the municipality. The airport runway, 01/19, and an east-west runway, is the closest airport to Wyperfeld National Park and it is 08/26, to provide for all weather air traffic. The approximately 68 km (36 NM) or 72km by road from the two runways will improve safety and cater for Warracknabeal Airport with a Code 3C Runway. general aviation activities and some charter CASA completed an Aviation Safety Audit Report in operations. It will also provide necessary February 2011 which identified a number of items that facilities for emergency services aircraft, needed to be upgraded to ensure the Airport is particularly the air ambulance and for maintained at a high standard to meet the current and agricultural purposes. future needs of users. Birchip - Sea Lake Infrastructure Road The project involves road widening to achieve a The road is less than 6m wide of sealed pavement which $6.8 million Short (0-5 Road minimum of 6m width for a total of 30km in is below the minimum requirement for this type of road, yrs) length of road, in the following segments: with sections of the existing seal as narrow as 3.7m. This -chainage 5km to 9km. narrow seal width is causing the edge of the pavement to -chainage 12km-14km. crack and break which creates safety issues along the -chainage 16km to 27km. road. -chainage 28km to 41km. Horsham bridges – Infrastructure Road Construction of bridges over the Wimmera The Western Highway bridges (divided road) over $TBC Est $8 Medium (5- Wimmera River River for vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle Wimmera River provide the only river crossing in M road/ 15 yrs) crossing, road and traffic including connection to existing road and Horsham. Flooding (e.g.. 2011) and road crashes have bicycle bridge pedestrian / bicycle path networks. caused major disruptions to traffic and restrict access for $1.25 M ped residents and businesses on the south side of the river, bridge to health education, retail, financial services, all located downstream on the north side of the river. Emergency services can of the be delayed by the bridge(s) bottleneck. Delays and Western diversions to traffic incur additional costs to freight Highway providers on the important Melbourne-Adelaide road $1 M ped freight route. There is a lack of connectivity across the bridge Wimmera River for pedestrians and cyclists. The upstream of Horsham Rural City Council Bicycle Strategy identified the Western five sites for pedestrian/cycle bridges to provide Highway connectivity in and around Horsham. Stawell Warracknabeal Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves the upgrade of two The Stawell Warracknabeal Road is a B Class road $720,000 Short (0-5 Road sections of the road which include: providing a connection between the Henty Highway and yrs) - A 1.781km section between chainages Borung Highway at Warracknabeal with the Western 63.412km to 65.193km. This section of road Highway near Stawell. The road is a major freight route needs to be widened and pavement improved for grain and gypsum. Sections of the road have been to reduce the roughness. identified to be in poor condition which impact on the -A 0.675km section between chainages efficiency and safety of vehicles travelling along the road, 46.249km to 46.924km. This section of road particularly large freight vehicles. The key issues with the needs to be reconstructed to improve pavement condition are roughness, failing pavement and pavement conditions. a narrow seal width.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Horsham Kalkee Road Infrastructure Road The project involves the upgrade of the The road has been identified as a black spot length of TBC Short (0-5 shoulder or road widening works to widen the road in the arterial Road ('C' Route) Strategy for the yrs) overall pavement width. The project is focused WSM Region. This strategy identified that the road has on a section of the road approximately 12 km in recorded 8 accidents. Additionally, the seal width is 5.6m length between chainage 18km to the and it has been identified the seal width needs to be Yarriambiak Shire border. 6.6m to safely accommodate the volume of traffic along the road and the increase in freight vehicles travelling along the road due to the Horsham Freight Hub. Rainbow Airstrip Infrastructure Air The project is located in Rainbow and involves The existing gravel airstrip at Rainbow creates issues for $150,000 Short (0-5 Upgrade sealing the existing gravel runway. aircraft including stone chipping, uneven landing/take off yrs) surface, soft spots in wet weather and poor visibility due to dust in dry weather. Rainbow airstrip is used by DEPI for fire attack. The upgrade to seal would allow medical air evacuation from this airstrip. Currently unavailable with the existing air fleet servicing Victoria. The airstrip is also used by private aircraft accessing the Rainbow township. Horsham Drung South Infrastructure Road The project involves upgrading the road and The road has been identified as a black spot length of TBC Short (0-5 Road rebuilding the shoulder to improve road safety road in the 'C' Route Strategy for the WSM Region. This yrs) along the road. strategy identified that the road has recorded 5 accidents within a length of 0.017km. Nhill-Yanac Road Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves improving the road to The road is a local freight route and key access for local TBC Short (0-5 reduce the road safety issues. farms. The road has an AADT of 240 vehicles including yrs) 40 CV. The road has been identified for upgrading to improve the safety of the road, the crashes per 100 million kilometres is greater than the State average.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Warracknabeal Airport Infrastructure Air The proposed project aims to upgrade the The Warracknabeal Airport is one of only 2 registered $3.3 million Short (0-5 Upgrade existing Warracknabeal airport infrastructure to airports in the Yarriambiack shire and services the yrs) provide two sealed runways, an east-west largest township in the municipality, Warracknabeal. The runway 08/26, and a north-south runway, 17/35 airport is approximately 68km (37NM) to Horsham (70km to provide for all weather air traffic. The two by road), the closest airport with a Code 3C Runway and runways will improve safety and cater for 221km (119NM), 252km by road, to Mildura Airport, the general aviation activities and some charter closest airport to the north with a Code 3C Runway. operations. It will also provide necessary The 2012 Aviation Safety Audit Report identified the facilities for emergency services aircraft, following deficiencies at the Warracknabeal airport. particularly the air ambulance and for • The width of centreline along Runway 08/26 needs to agricultural purposes. be repainted and extended in length. • A lit wind direction indicator needs to be provided at the Runway 26 threshold. - The apron edge lines on the main parking apron need to be extended. - Wheel ruts and pavement failures are a hazard for taxiing aircraft and need to be filled and regraded to the level of the surrounding surface. - The obstacles that penetrate the take-off and approach surfaces for each runway need to be removed to restore the safety requirements at the airport and meet CASA Design Guidelines. - The baseline for Runway 26 needs to be increased in width to meet the required widths for a Code 3 runway. Murtoa-Glenorchy Infrastructure Road The project involves widening the existing The road connects Stawell-Warracknabeal Road (north TBC Short (0-5 Road single lane sections of the road to a two lane of Glenorchy) to Murtoa and is a key freight route for yrs) seal road for the length of the road. grain and quarry materials (from Mt Drummond quarry to the north). The road has been identified to be unsafe with narrow and worn shoulders and requires vehicles to slow down to pass safely. Regional GIS Strategy/Study Other Regional scale data, open web-based access, GIS is a valuable planning and communications tool. Key $500,000 Short (0-5 Capability with searchable properties. Incorporating data issues include: yrs) from multiple sources on a GIS platform. -It is underutilised by Councils in the region, due to lack of capability within some organisations. -Data is not shared effectively between Councils, Government, regional organisations and businesses. Accessibility (and even awareness for the data in some cases) would be solved by web-based accessibility on a GIS platform.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing O’Callaghans Parade Infrastructure Road The project is located in Horsham and involves Reduced collisions, and therefore casualties. $500,000 Short (0-5 – 45 Degree Y revised intersection treatments for six 45 O’Callaghans Parade is a major link road, feeding the yrs) Intersections degree intersection roads that occur on a 300 Horsham CBD area, and provides a short-cut (rat-run) for m length of O’Callaghans Parade. Detailed much traffic connecting between the Western Highway design has not yet occurred, but treatments are and Wimmera Highway (west) for traffic aiming to avoid likely to include a combination of kerb and two sets of traffic lights. median works, lane realignment, signage and O’Callaghans Parade intersects with Urquhart St, a main line marking. north-south link road which also feeds Horsham CBD, and several streets feeding the commercial area south of the CBD. Many sporting and recreational events are conducted to the west of O’Callaghans Parade, and event traffic can lead to large numbers of vehicles joining from the side roads, creating increased potential for collisions at these Y-intersections. Donald Airport Infrastructure Air The proposed project aims to upgrade the - The average number of cross wind and unsafe/wet $1.5 million Medium (5- Upgrade Donald airport so that it will become an all- days where the wind exceeds 15 knots North to South at 15 yrs) weather facility. Donald Airport is 156 days per annum. On these days The steps involved to achieve this are to: aircraft have to use the North South unsealed runway, - Construct and Seal the North-South runway. making the Donald Airport less attractive for light aircraft. - Upgrade power supply to the airport and to - Donald needs to become an all-weather all year round the safety lighting to ensure it meets Civil Air Airport. If both runways were sealed Donald Airport Safety Authority (CASA) requirements. would become the only airport with sealed North South - Improve passenger and pilot amenities. and East West runway north of the Great Divide or - Install a new terminal / class room to improve between Ballarat and Mildura. passenger and freight facilities. - Commercial aircraft, the air ambulance service, and - Install a 25,000 litre open top water tank other light aircraft, need to divert away from Donald available for fire fighting purposes and fire when cross winds, rain, or other bad weather conditions hydrant. (156 days each year) do not allow the use of the North/South runway. - Donald has a strong commercial centre with a growing industrial estate. The business and industrial sector currently use the local airport for passenger movement and the quick transport of freight and emergency parts. Nhill Airport Runway Infrastructure Air The project involves increasing the length of The aircraft that are able to utilise the Nhill airport are $250,000 Short (0-5 Extension the sealed (27) runway by 175m at the Nhill restricted which impacts on the ability of businesses and yrs) airport. government representatives to access Nhill by air.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Stawell Road U-Turn Infrastructure Road The project involves installation of improved Reduced collisions, and therefore casualties. $500,000 - Short (0-5 facility to replace the existing dangerous U- An extended median divides Stawell Road south of the $1.5 million yrs) turns that occur at the Melbourne end of Wimmera River for about 1.3 km. Stawell Road in Horsham. At the end of this median vehicles must perform a U-turn facing oncoming Western Highway traffic to return into central Horsham. The condition of this U-turn is poor, with only a small sealed run-off area to facilitate the U-turn. Large vehicles must venture very wide onto the margin of the sealed area to perform a U-turn, and at very slow speed, increasing the time taken for the turn, and therefore the potential for collisions with on-coming vehicles. Options to improve this turn manoeuvre are not straightforward, hence design is required to determine appropriate options. Wimmera Highway Infrastructure Road The project is located in Horsham and involves Reduced collisions, and therefore casualties. $500,000 Short (0-5 (Natimuk Road) – installation of an improved traffic control, e.g. Bennett Road is a key link road. South of the Wimmera yrs) Bennett Road traffic signals or roundabout. Highway, Bennett Road feeds the busy residential area Intersection through to the Wimmera River. North of the Highway, Bennett Road also serves a large residential area, and links to the Horsham Secondary College and Federation University precincts. Kindergartens and a primary school are also in the vicinity of this intersection. The western margins of Horsham are a main growth area of the Horsham residential area, now and into the future. The Wimmera Highway and Bennett Road both serve this growth area, and connect to Horsham CBD to the east along Wimmera Highway and Wilson St. Traffic congestion is frequent in this vicinity, and vehicles on Bennett Road can have considerable waits accessing the Wimmera Highway safely. The intersection is also a major crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the education facilities. Grampians Road Infrastructure Road The project involves upgrading a number of The road is a major north-south transport route for all TBC Short (0-5 intersections along the road (including the vehicles, with an AADT ranging from 190 to 1,380 vpd yrs) intersections with Western Highway, Ararat- depending on the location of the count. The road is used Halls Gap Road, and Blythewood Road), by multiple modes which includes: widening narrow sections of the road and -For freight between from Hamilton-Dunkeld-Halls Gap to constructing an off-road bicycle path to remove Stawell. cyclists from the road. -A major tourist route from Fyans Creek Road to Ararat- Halls Gap Road. -For cyclists this road is a significant cycling route.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Horsham Railway Infrastructure Rail The project is located at Horsham. It involves The existing rail corridor forms a major social / cultural $100 million Medium (5- Bypass the construction of a railway bypass, clean-up barrier in Horsham. Presently there are only 3 road 15 yrs) and redevelopment of the existing corridor crossings of the railway in Horsham, one centrally within Horsham. located, two on the extremities of the residential area. There are two problematic railway pedestrian underpasses. The project needs to be considered in a timeframe compatible with Western Highway bypass to avoid construction of infrastructure that would otherwise become redundant. The existing rail corridor forms a major social / cultural barrier in Horsham. Presently there are only 3 road crossings of the railway in Horsham, one centrally located, two on the extremities of the residential area. There are two problematic railway pedestrian underpasses. The project needs to be considered in a timeframe compatible with Western Highway bypass to avoid construction of infrastructure that would otherwise become redundant. Horsham Airport Infrastructure Air The Horsham Airport is located approximately 5 Growing demands in the following areas are placing $5.4 million Short (0-5 Redevelopment km north-west of Horsham. The project increasing requirements on Horsham Airport:• passenger yrs) involves:• Runway extensions and air services, due to business and tourism needs• strengthening• Terminal building development increased commercial activities reliant on Horsham as a to facilitate regular passenger air services, nationally recognised service provider for aircraft including security upgrade.• Aeromedical maintenance• growing utilisation of Horsham as an Patient Transfer Facility• Establishment of airbase for fire operations by DEPI.These increased additional commercial area to facilitate air- demands are placing pressure on the existing facilities, related industry to further develop• Land and leading to calls for expansion of the capabilities of purchases and road re-alignments to facilitate the existing runways. these core components. Horsham Railway Infrastructure Active Transport Two pedestrian underpasses in Horsham under These underpasses have the following problems: $1 million Medium (5- Pedestrian the Adelaide – Melbourne railway at Albert St - They are unsafe, with the potential for people to not be 15 yrs) Underpasses and Wawunna Road need to be upgraded. able to see through the underpasses before entering them. - The tunnels are narrow, and uninviting. - They are not DDA compliant. - The surrounding areas are not grassed landscaped. Natimuk Hamilton Infrastructure Road The project involves rebuilding the shoulder of 0 TBC Short (0-5 Road the road and drain re-establishment in some yrs) sections of the road.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Donald-Stawell Road Infrastructure Road The project includes road widening of narrows The road is a major north-south route grain transport TBC Short (0-5 sections of the road, upgrading the "Y" route through a number of shires in the region. The road yrs) Intersections at Stratford Road/Wallaloo Hall has an AADT of between 380 and 500vpd depending on Road, Soldiers Road and Mingawalla Road and the location of the traffic count. The road connects the upgrading the cross intersections at Campbells Western Highway at Stawell to Marnoo and through to Bridge Road and Main St/Barnes St Stawell. Donald. Horsham - Minyip Infrastructure Road The project involves rebuilding the shoulder of The pavement roughness has been identified as a key TBC Short (0-5 Road the road and pavement to improve roughness. issue of the road which results in a poor ride quality and yrs) safety impacts. Section of the road have been identified to have a pavement roughness that is unacceptable for the user. Changes to grain Strategy/Study Road-Freight The project involves undertaking a study into There have been changes to the movement of grain in $100,000 Short (0-5 freight transport on the impact on the local economy and road recent years including the increase in on-farm storage, yrs) road. network in the Wimmera region and particularly rationalisation of grain receival centres, containerisation, Horsham Rural City. opening of Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal, the The study will investigate road, rail and balance between road freight and rail freight, and higher shipping (ports). The study will extend from capacity efficient road transport vehicles. farm gate through regional receivals and processors, to ports and markets. Identified possible future changes that could impact on the local economy and road network include; • Relocation of Port of Melbourne • Rail connection between Mildura rail line to standard gauge and new rail link between Mildura railway and Melbourne-Adelaide railway • Further changes to the balance between rail and road freight • Takeover of GrainCorp • Effects of climate change • Increased rail capacity (axle loads) Patchewollock Sea Infrastructure Road The project involves road widening to achieve a The road is less than 6m wide of sealed pavement which $4.3 million Short (0-5 Lake Road minimum of 6m width for a total of 19km in is below the minimum requirement for this type of road, yrs) length of road, in the following segments: with sections of the existing seal as narrow as 3.7m. This -Patchewollock - chainage 33km to 35km. narrow seal width is causing the edge of the pavement to -Sea Lake Road - chainage 36km-53km. crack and break which creates safety issues along the road.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing May Park Rest Area Infrastructure Road- May Park is a prominent location on the Horsham is the largest town along the Western Highway $220,000 Short (0-5 (Horsham) Passenger/Private Western Highway providing toilets, barbecues, that is not bypassed, and being close to mid-way yrs) play areas and is close to a range of between Adelaide and Melbourne is an ideal location for convenience shops including food outlets. rest stops. Improved facilities are needed in May Park to: Upgrade infrastructure at a prominent urban rest area to • Replace the ageing and inadequate facilities meet the increasing needs of the travelling motorists. currently present May Park is located on the western approach to the • Cater to the increasing levels of traffic on the Horsham Central Business Area; May Park has proved Western Highway over the last 20 years to be a prominent place in an Doing so will assist road safety by combatting appealing urban area for travellers to stop and rest; it is fatigue. ideally central to then seek food and fuel and to access by foot the main shopping strip in Horsham. On-site observations in recent years have indicated that: • There is insufficient support facilities at May Park i.e.…tables, picnic facilities, shelter to meet the demands of the users • The existing facilities are dated, and are not enticing to attract travellers to stop and rest. • The toilet facilities are no longer adequate to meet the demands of the users Level Crossing Infrastructure Road Project would involve both of the existing The problem to be addressed is to eliminate or reduce TBC Short (0-5 Removal with Northern railway lines through the Shire i.e.;- the use of unsafe railway crossing points, where those yrs) Grampians Shire -Ballarat-Maryborough-Yelta Line [via St crossings are generally not controlled by boom gates, or Arnaud as operated by V/Line] lights, and rely on the motorist to give way or stop for -Pyrenees Loop-Serviceton Line [via Stawell as trains. All railway crossings in Victoria have been operated by ARTC] assessed and rated by the rail operator for safety and The extent of the project would be to review all are scored accordingly to strict rail safety criteria. existing road / rail crossings and assess whether any could be closed permanently, with alternative road access provided to adjacent crossings.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Patchewollock Airport Infrastructure Air The proposed project aims to upgrade and Patchewollock Airport, is approximately 42.4km $980,000 Short (0-5 Upgrade improve safety at the existing Patchewollock (22.9NM), or 50.3km by road, to the north of Hopetoun yrs) airport by providing: a better surface for the and compliments the two registered airports in the Shire unsealed north-south runway, 18/36; grading of of Yarriambiack, a municipality that spans 7158 square the taxiway and a new windsock. The project kilometres in the north west of Victoria. The will improve safety and cater for general Patchewollock Airport services the small isolated aviation activities. It will also provide necessary township of Patchewollock and the northern part of the facilities for emergency services aircraft, Shire of Yarriambiack and the Mallee area. Similar to particularly the air ambulance and for the Hopetoun airport, the Patchewollock airport is close agricultural purposes. to Wyperfeld National Park (on the northern side) and it is approximately 35km (19NM) to the Ouyen airport. The proposed project aims to upgrade and improve safety at the existing Patchewollock airport by providing: a wider runway and a better surface for the unsealed north-south runway, 18/36; a smoother taxiway; and a new windsock. The project will improve safety and cater for general aviation activities. It will also provide better facilities for emergency services aircraft and for agricultural aircraft. The proposed project will address deficiencies identified during recent inspections and upgrade the Patchewollock Airport to meet the CASA Design Standards. Recent inspections have identified the following deficiencies at the Patchewollock airport: - Urgent maintenance action is required on the movement areas including: weed removal, pavement repairs and surface improvements on Runway 18/36. - Unserviceability crosses are required to properly prepare for a runway closure. - The windsock requires replacement. Horsham Noradjuha Infrastructure Road The project involves the widening in sections 0 TBC Short (0-5 Road for curves and crests and renewing shoulders. yrs)
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Widening of 'C' Routes Infrastructure Road The project involves widening of the seal width Road users have an expectation that roads of similar $20.5 million Short (0-5 in Horsham Rural City on various ‘C’ Routes to achieve a minimum classification and strategic importance will provide them yrs) Council width of 6.0m to improve safety, accommodate with a consistent level of performance. edge lines, and reduce edge drop off and edge ‘C’ Routes provide the more important links between failures. A number of the road sections have centres of population, and between these centres of an existing seal width of only 5.4m with some population and the primary transport network. ‘C’ Routes as narrow as 3.7m. are generally expected to be two lane sealed roads with The roads within Horsham Rural City Council, shoulders. include: The majority of rural ‘C’ Routes in Horsham Rural City C205 Wombelano Road, Map 54, E3, E4 and meet the desired seal width expectations however there F4 are long lengths of these routes where the pavement is C215 Horsham Drung South Road, Map 40, predominantly less than the desired width, posing a E5, F5, G5, G6 safety risk for users and a maintenance problem for road C231 Horsham Kalkee Road, Maps 40 and 26 authorities. C214 Horsham Noradjuha Road, Map 40, C5, C6, B6, B7 and A7 C219 Natimuk Hamilton Road, Map 39 and 54 C222 Northern Grampians Road, Maps 55 and 40 C Class Roads in Infrastructure Road The project involves widening of the seal width Road users have an expectation that roads of similar TBC Short (0-5 Northern Grampians on various ‘C’ Routes to achieve a minimum classification and strategic importance will provide them yrs) width of 6.0m to improve safety, accommodate with a consistent level of performance.‘C’ Routes provide edge lines, and reduce edge drop off and edge the more important links between centres of population, failures. A number of the road sections have and between these centres of population and the primary an existing seal width of only 5.4m with some transport network. ‘C’Routes are generally expected to as narrow as 3.7m. be two lane sealed roads with shoulders.The majority of ‘C’ Routes in Hindmarsh Shire meet the desired seal width expectations however there are long lengths of these routes where thepavement is predominantly less than the desired width, posing a safety risk for users and a maintenance problem for road authorities.Hindmarsh Shire is a rural area where often the arterial road, ‘C’ Route, is the only road, therefore it is important that the road width is adequate to safely cater for the full range of vehicles from freight trucks to cyclists and emergency vehicles that may pass or need to overtake on these narrow roads.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Widening of 'C' Routes Infrastructure Road The project involves widening of the seal width Road users have an expectation that roads of similar $53.3 million Short (0-5 in Yarriambiack Shire on various ‘C’ Routes to achieve a minimum classification and strategic importance will provide them yrs) width of 6.0m to improve safety, accommodate with a consistent level of performance. edge lines, and reduce edge drop off and edge ‘C’ Routes provide the more important links between failures. A number of the road sections have centres of population, and between these centres of an existing seal width of only 5.4m with some population and the primary transport network. ‘C’ Routes as narrow as 3.7m. are generally expected to be two lane sealed roads with The roads in Yarriambiack include: shoulders. C243 Birchip Rainbow Road, Maps 17 and 18 The majority of ‘C’ Routes in Wimmera Mallee meet the C227 Hopetoun Rainbow Road, Map 17 desired seal width expectations however there are long C246 Hopetoun Sea Lake Road, Maps 17 and lengths of these routes where the 18 pavement is predominantly less than the desired width, C247 Hopetoun Walpeup Road, Maps 17 and posing a safety risk for users and a maintenance 11 problem for road authorities. C229 Jeparit Warracknabeal Road, Map 26 Yarriambiack Shire is a rural area where often the C237 Murtoa Glenorchy Road, Maps 40 and 41 arterial road, ‘C’ Route, is the only road, therefore it is C248 Patchewollock Sea Lake Road, Maps 11 important that the road width is adequate to safely cater and 12 for the full range of vehicles from freight trucks to cyclists C242 Warracknabeal Birchip Road, Maps 26 and emergency vehicles that may pass or need to and 27 overtake on these narrow roads. C234 Borung Highway, Maps 26 and 27 C231 Horsham Kalkee Road, Map 26 B210 Stawell Warracknabeal Road, Maps 26, 27 and 41 C245 Warracknabeal Rainbow Road, Map 26 Y-Intersections Infrastructure Road Upgrade a number of intersections and road The intersections and road lengths have been identified $2.9 million Short (0-5 lengths that have been identified as being as unsafe and have the potential for serious collisions. yrs) potentially hazardous. There are 17 Road safety analysis by VicRoads and Austroads has intersections and 4 high speed road lengths identified that the typical identified Grey Spots are high identified within the Shire. risk and require treatment to reduce the risk of incident. Grey Spots Infrastructure Road Upgrade a number of intersections and road The intersections and road lengths have been identified $2.6 million Short (0-5 lengths that have been identified as being as unsafe and have the potential for serious collisions. yrs) potentially hazardous. There are 13 Road safety analysis by VicRoads and Austroads has intersections and 3 high speed road lengths identified that the typical identified Grey Spots are high identified within the Shire. risk and require treatment to reduce the risk of incident. Mineral Sands – Infrastructure Road-Freight Between Murray Darling Basin and Port of The extent of mineral sands exploration and mining in TBC Short (0-5 Support for Portland, the transport of mineral sands from the Murray Darling Basin is rapidly increasing. The key yrs) Infrastructure Upgrade source to separation plant to port needs to be to the success of the ventures is the economic and to transport mineral planned for. efficient transportation of product from the source to the sands from Source to port. The states road and rail networks must be capable Port of managing the task. Upgrades accordingly will be required.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Sunraysia Highway Infrastructure Road Upgrade of the full length of the Sunraysia Hwy The Sunraysia Highway is a strategic north south freight $10 million Short (0-5 Improvements within Buloke Shire Council. route through the centre of the Mallee Region – there is yrs) Improve pavement to eliminate roughness and extensive grain and livestock produced in the region that implement counter measures to run off road relies on road freight to meet demands. crashes. Pavement widening to eliminate edge The roughness of the highway and the substandard effects and poor shoulder performance sealed width does not support efficient movement of freight. The most recent pavement condition data identifies that there are 7 lengths of highway in the Shire of Buloke where the roughness is greater than the current VicRoads acceptable level. Widening of ‘C’ Routes Infrastructure Road The project involves widening of the seal width Road users have an expectation that roads of similar $22.5 million Short (0-5 in Buloke Shire on various ‘C’ Routes to achieve a minimum classification and strategic importance will provide them yrs) width of 6.0m to improve safety, accommodate with a consistent level of performance. edge lines, and reduce edge drop off and edge ‘C’ Routes provide the more important links between failures. A number of the road sections have centres of population, and between these centres of an existing seal width of only 5.4m with some population and the primary transport network. ‘C’ as narrow as 3.7m. Routes are generally expected to be two lane sealed The road in Buloke include: roads with shoulders. C244 Birchip Sea Lake Road, Map 18 The majority of ‘C’ Routes in Buloke Shire meet the C266 Boort Wycheproof Road, Map 28 desired seal width expectations however there are long C248 Patchewollock Sea Lake Road, Map 12 lengths of these routes where the C243 Birchip Rainbow Road, Map 18 pavement is predominantly less than the desired width, C242 Warracknabeal Birchip Road, Map 27 posing a safety risk for users and a maintenance C266 Boort Charlton Road, Maps 28 and 29 problem for road authorities. C234 Borung Highway, Maps 27 and 28 Buloke Shire is a rural area where often the arterial road, C251 Robinvale Sea Lake Road, Map 12 ‘C’ Route, is the only road, therefore it is important that the road width is adequate to safely cater for the full range of vehicles from freight trucks to cyclists and emergency vehicles that may pass or need to overtake on these narrow roads.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing C Class Roads in Infrastructure Road The project involves widening of the seal width Road users have an expectation that roads of similar TBC Short (0-5 Hindmarsh on various ‘C’ Routes to achieve a minimum classification and strategic importance will provide them yrs) width of 6.0m to improve safety, accommodate with a consistent level of performance. edge lines, and reduce edge drop off and edge ‘C’ Routes provide the more important links between failures. A number of the road sections have centres of population, and between these centres of an existing seal width of only 5.4m with some population and the primary transport network. ‘C’ as narrow as 3.7m. Routes are generally expected to be two lane sealed roads with shoulders. The majority of ‘C’ Routes in Hindmarsh Shire meet the desired seal width expectations however there are long lengths of these routes where the pavement is predominantly less than the desired width, posing a safety risk for users and a maintenance problem for road authorities. Hindmarsh Shire is a rural area where often the arterial road, ‘C’ Route, is the only road, therefore it is important that the road width is adequate to safely cater for the full range of vehicles from freight trucks to cyclists and emergency vehicles that may pass or need to overtake on these narrow roads. Increased Freight on Strategy/Study Rail-Freight The project is a study into methods to Currently the Mode Shift incentive Scheme is in place, $100,000 Short (0-5 Rail encourage the use of rail freight over road however it is recognised that over time the government is yrs) freight for regional producers and seeking to reduce the level of support to this scheme. manufacturers. This project will investigate options to progressively reduce the reliance on the mode shift incentive scheme, i.e. Alternative freight tolling systems, e.g. NHVCIS that may provide improved incentive to rail. Public Transport Infrastructure Road- Provide greater access to public transport for A lack of public transport connections to major towns TBC Short (0-5 Limitations - Access for Passenger/Private connection to the regional centres of Swan Hill, limits residents’ ability to access essential facilities. yrs) Locals to Regional Horsham, Bendigo and Ballarat for residents Additionally the lack of public transport connections Centres within Buloke Shire Council. impacts on the accessibility of the towns for tourism. Rail passenger services in this area are non-existent; bus services are infrequent and operate at inconsiderate timelines making connection to facilities that are only offered in regional centres difficult to access. B Routes - Importance Infrastructure Road-Freight Lack of on-going maintenance and upgrade of These three major B Routes, that traverse the TBC Short (0-5 and Conditions - Henty aging infrastructure. Yarriambiack Shire, are key strategic freight routes that yrs) Highway, Wimmera support both inter and intra-regional movement of freight. Highway and Borung The standard of maintenance and the level of upgrade Highway has deteriorated in recent years; the standard of infrastructure on these routes is now impacting on the safe and efficient movement of freight.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing HRCC Freight Routes Infrastructure Road-Freight The project involves widening the road The roads have been identified by Horsham Rural City $44 million Short (0-5 pavements to two sealed traffic lanes for High Council as freight routes for local primary producers to yrs) Productivity Vehicle transport and the efficiently access grain receival centres and markets. Performance Based Standards (PBS) road Narrow seals and lack of pavement materials restrict network on identified local road freight routes. speeds and do not provide sufficient carriageway for vehicles to operate without a heavy vehicle imposing a risk to other road users by impinging on adjacent lanes or encroaching on limited or no shoulders. Products to market Infrastructure Road-Freight The project would involve most of the local road The problem is that many local roads are not suitable for TBC Short (0-5 program network in the Shire, plus intersections with heavy vehicle use, and yet more and more transport yrs) arterial roads. The project funded Roads to operators, farmers and suppliers are using B-Double, Market programs, where Council was HML and PBS approved vehicles which all require a successful in obtaining funding for the upgrade NHVR /VicRoads permit, plus Council consent to operate of numerous local roads and intersections to on ungazetted local road routes.NGSC has a program in cater for Higher Mass Limit and B-Double truck place to progressively expand the gazetted routes, and use, including the gazettal of those roads by has already upgraded many of the main traffic generator VicRoads as designated heavy vehicle routes, but increased funding is required to keep that routes.The project relates to those roads that program going. Council also has a program of upgrading are currently not gazetted heavy vehicle routes, understrength bridges, but there are still quite a few of but are used by heavy vehicles on a regular these to be funded.There are also numerous local road basis under Council consent and VicRoads intersections with arterial roads that require upgrading to permits. This would mainly involve link and cater for heavy vehicle use, and VicRoads just doesn’t collector roads, intersections with arterial roads, seem to have any funds for this type of work. Council bridge strengthening and similar works to bring has been advocating for, and funding some of these over those roads up to an acceptable standard for time, but there are many remaining to do. heavy vehicle use.The project relates to heavy vehicle transport use to the main traffic generator sites within the Shire e.g./. Silos, piggeries, heavy industry etc.. Bridge to recovery Funding Road A funding program provided by the State and/or Councils within the WSM region have a large number of TBC Short (0-5 Program Federal Government which provides local bridges that need to be maintained and upgraded within yrs) councils with the opportunity to apply for grants the region. The funding sources from rates is limited for to upgrade a number of bridges within their Councils as the populations decline. Additionally, local network. It recognises the expanse of the significant upgrades are required for a number of bridges Council road network and the limited funding as the size of vehicles required to access local farms is sources available for rural Councils. increasing particularly due to on farm storage.
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Project Title Strategy/ Mode of Transport Project Description Problem Identification Estimated Expected Infrastructure Cost timing Country Roads and Funding Road-Freight Continuation of Regional Funding for the The current Country Roads and Bridges Program is in its $1 million per Short (0-5 Bridges Program – Program Improvement of Country Roads and Bridges final year of the 4 Year program; the program has proved year rolling yrs) Continuation of to be extremely beneficial to regional municipalities to program Funding for Regional enable the highest priority roads and bridge projects to and Rural Roads be undertaken in a timely and cost effective manner to ensure the local road network is maintained open for regional and local freight movement. The funding and management of priority Local Roads and Bridges is an enormous task for municipalities with limited resources and over-stretched budgets. In the Wimmera and Southern Mallee Region, the municipalities are vast in area, but sparsely populated, resulting in a small rate base to fund priority Local Road and Bridge Projects; the funding of $1m per year per Municipality is an enormous boost the regional Councils. Vegetation Strategy/Study Road The project is located throughout the whole The problem to be addressed is for the safety of all road $5 million Short (0-5 management Shire. users. Overhanging vegetation is a big safety and yrs) The extent of the project is to carry out a financial problem for all Councils, but especially for comprehensive program of trimming, lopping or NGSC as it has a lot of native vegetation alongside most complete removal of roadside vegetation within of its local road length, plus a lot of crown bushland the designated road maintenance canopy area adjacent to road reserves. Roadside vegetation tends to of all local roads, plus for designated road grow towards the cleared road space and can cause safety sites. sight distance problems, trucks hitting overhead branches, naturally falling limbs, storm damage falls, lack of clearance for wider agricultural machinery etc. It is an ongoing expense for Council that never seems to catch up with current lopping programs, which are generally too little, too late. The problem is exacerbated by the new native vegetation requirements of the planning scheme whereby the rules and regulations have become very restrictive on all Councils to the point where some Councils only carry out the absolute minimum programs in fear of being prosecuted by over-zealous DEPI staff. Road reserves used to be for transport purposes, but are now treated by some as linear national parks. Guard Rail program on Infrastructure Road Install safety barriers on structures that meet Council has recently taken control of about 50 major $1.2 million Short (0-5 ex GWM Water the current road safety and design criteria; culverts at waterways from GWM Water; of these about yrs) Channels (Bridge barriers are to be to current standards on all 40 require guard rail upgrades to provide protection to Report) structures that are maintained for drainage motorists. purposes.
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Appendix B – Achievement of strategic objectives key challenges.
Strategic Objectives WSM Key Challenges
Project Title
safe, reliable reliable safe,
e split for freight on freight on for e split
Develop freight and and freight Develop precincts logistics ensure and Understand transport to ways efficient products capacity, the Improve of functioning and safety network the transport and access Ensure connectivity Provide a network resilient and technological Consider the in advancements mix provision transport and amenity Ensure useability the road of Maintenance network of number the Increasing local on vehicles large roads transport Public accessibility Mod rail Tourism spread population Small area land large over
Western Highway duplication to Stawell (Buangor to Stawell)
Western Highway safety and efficiency improvements - Stawell to SA border
Henty Hwy improvements - Horsham to Lascelles.
Grampians Peak Trail
Mildura to Ports Rail Standardisation
Horsham Bypass
Capacity improvements to the Adelaide - Melbourne railway line
Henty Hwy Improvements - Horsham to Portland
Grampians Ring Road
Dimboola to Rainbow rail line axle load upgrade
Rainbow-Yaapeet Rail Line Upgrade
Stawell to Halls Gap Walking/Cycling Route
Calder Hwy “Y” Intersections - Sea Lake to Nandaly
Calder Hwy Improvement – Wycheproof to Sea Lake
Western Victorian Iconic Walking Trail (Horsham, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera).
Hindmarsh Walking Trail Project
Sea Lake Airport Upgrade
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Strategic Objectives WSM Key Challenges
Project Title
safe, reliable reliable safe,
e split for freight on freight on for e split
Develop freight and and freight Develop precincts logistics ensure and Understand transport to ways efficient products capacity, the Improve of functioning and safety network the transport and access Ensure connectivity Provide a network resilient and technological Consider the in advancements mix provision transport and amenity Ensure useability the road of Maintenance network of number the Increasing local on vehicles large roads transport Public accessibility Mod rail Tourism spread population Small area land large over
Stawell Airport
Passenger Rail Extension (shuttle rail service between Kaniva, Horsham and Ararat)
Dimboola to Rainbow Road
Seven Mile Road
Charam-Wombelano Road Upgrade to 6.2 width, Wimmera Hwy to Goroke- Harrow Road
Edenhope-Coleraine Road and the Wimmera Highway Intersection Improvements
Goroke-Harrow Road Upgrade from Wimmera Highway to Nhill-Harrow Road
Coleraine Edenhope Rd Upgrade, south of Harrow
Harrow Goroke Road and Nhill Harrow Rd Intersection Improvements
Nhill-Harrow Road / Wimmera Highway Intersection Improvements
Nhill-Harrow Road Upgrade from Miga Lake Access Road to Coleraine Edenhope Rd and through Hindmarsh Shire Council to Nhill
Serviceton North Telopea Downs Road / Western Highway Intersection Acceleration Lanes
Kaniva-Edenhope Road Upgrade
Sunraysia Highway Improvements - between Pearses Road to Russell Road
Charlton Borung Road Freight Route
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Strategic Objectives WSM Key Challenges
Project Title
safe, reliable reliable safe,
e split for freight on freight on for e split
Develop freight and and freight Develop precincts logistics ensure and Understand transport to ways efficient products capacity, the Improve of functioning and safety network the transport and access Ensure connectivity Provide a network resilient and technological Consider the in advancements mix provision transport and amenity Ensure useability the road of Maintenance network of number the Increasing local on vehicles large roads transport Public accessibility Mod rail Tourism spread population Small area land large over
Watchupga Culgoa Road
Banyena Pimpinio Road Freight Route
Lascelles West Road between Hopetoun Walpeup Road and Sunraysia Hwy and Sea Lake Lascelles Road between Sunraysia Hwy and Ninda South West
Longerenong Road Freight Route
Dimboola Minyip Road Freight Route
Banyena Minyip Road Freight Route
Stawell Warracknabeal Rd Rail Crossing at Minyip
WIM 150 Route
Nature Tracks – Pedestrian and Cycling Facilities within Buloke Shire.
Culgoa Walking Trail
Sea Lake Walking Trail
Wycheproof Walking Trail
Stawell Bypass
Henty Highway (Dooen Road) – Searle Street Intersection
Birchip-Corack Road
Donald Murtoa Road
Horsham to Natimuk Regional Cycling Trail Project
Horsham to Green Lake Regional Cycling Trail Project
Horsham to Dooen Regional Cycling Trail project
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Strategic Objectives WSM Key Challenges
Project Title
safe, reliable reliable safe,
e split for freight on freight on for e split
Develop freight and and freight Develop precincts logistics ensure and Understand transport to ways efficient products capacity, the Improve of functioning and safety network the transport and access Ensure connectivity Provide a network resilient and technological Consider the in advancements mix provision transport and amenity Ensure useability the road of Maintenance network of number the Increasing local on vehicles large roads transport Public accessibility Mod rail Tourism spread population Small area land large over
Sunraysia Highway Improvements north of Curyo and South east of Donald
Mildura Passenger Service
Borung Highway
Western Highway duplication to the SA border
Warracknabeal Birchip Road
Hopetoun Airport Upgrade (Airports)
Birchip - Sea Lake Road
Horsham bridges – Wimmera River crossing, road and pedestrian / bicycle
Stawell Warracknabeal Road
Horsham Kalkee Road
Rainbow Airstrip Upgrade
Horsham Drung South Road
Nhill-Yanac Road
Warracknabeal Airport Upgrade
Murtoa-Glenorchy Road
Regional GIS Capability
O’Callaghans Parade – 45 Degree Y Intersections
Donald Airport Upgrade
Nhill Airport Runway Extension
Stawell Road U-Turn
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Strategic Objectives WSM Key Challenges
Project Title
safe, reliable reliable safe,
e split for freight on freight on for e split
Develop freight and and freight Develop precincts logistics ensure and Understand transport to ways efficient products capacity, the Improve of functioning and safety network the transport and access Ensure connectivity Provide a network resilient and technological Consider the in advancements mix provision transport and amenity Ensure useability the road of Maintenance network of number the Increasing local on vehicles large roads transport Public accessibility Mod rail Tourism spread population Small area land large over
Wimmera Highway (Natimuk Road) – Bennett Road Intersection
Grampians Road
Horsham Railway Bypass
Horsham Airport Redevelopment
Horsham Railway Pedestrian Underpasses
Natimuk Hamilton Road
Donald-Stawell Road
Horsham - Minyip Road
Changes to grain freight transport on road.
Patchewollock Sea Lake Road
May Park Rest Area (Horsham)
Level Crossing Removal with Northern Grampians Shire
Patchewollock Airport Upgrade
Horsham Noradjuha Road
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Appendix C – Airport details
Airport requirements with Wimmera Southern Mallee Region
Airport Current Capability and Key Issues Desired Capability and Solutions
Horsham The Horsham airport has a sealed runway Horsham airport has been identified with lighting and is used for a variety of as having the potential to increase activities which include: utilisation commercial operations and as a commute option to Melbourne. >400 Air ambulance transfers per These uses are likely to require year. increased runway length. Additionally Pilot training. land around the airport should be DEPI Airbase. complementary to the airport to provide for efficient commercial Aircraft maintenance. operations. Gliding activity – premium location.
A key issue is the potential for the Horsham Bypass alignment to impact on possible runway extension.
Stawell The Stawell airport has a sealed main A number of upgrades have been runway and taxiway with a night lights, identified for Stawell airport to terminal building and fuel facility. improve the efficiency of the facility Additionally there is a sealed second and allow for future growth, these runway and two taxiways. include:
Stawell Aviation Services-Tecman Apron extensions for future aircraft sales Australia wide, joy developments. flights locally, Australia wide tours Security / vermin fencing. and charter flights, pilot training. Small car park and additional AG Services-Fire bombers, airside road access, agricultural & forestry sprayers, undergrounding of power line. aircraft maintenance, charter flights, FIFO services. Upgrade of existing DEPI firebase including additional Major DEPI fire base for western taxiway and helicopter parking Victoria. area upgrades.
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Airport Current Capability and Key Issues Desired Capability and Solutions
St Arnaud The St Arnaud airport has a sealed runway Upgrades are required to enable and taxiway and is used for the following the facility to be operational in all key activities: weather conditions and meet the current CASA requirements. Small DEPI fire base facility for Improvements include: regional CFA aircraft. Surface treatment and Emergency pilot activated solar widening of main runway and lighting. taxiway. District aerial agricultural spraying. Line marking and associated road access and apron upgrade works.
Nhill The Nhill airport has a sealed runway Increase the length of the sealed (27) however it is too short to allow for small to runway by 175m to allow an medium jet aircraft to land at Nhill. This increased and broader range of restricts the type of aircraft and also the aircraft to have the ability to land at business interests in Hindmarsh due to Nhill. reduced accessibility. This increases the accessibility of Hindmarsh and allows for Nhill to be used as a base of aerial fire fighting activity.
Kaniva No information provided
Edenhope No information provided
Sea Lake Recent inspections have identified the Sea Lake airport needs the surface following deficiencies: to be upgraded and widened to improve safety and cater for general Urgent maintenance is required on aviation activities and also provide the movement areas including: weed necessary facilities for emergency removal, pavement repairs and services aircraft. surface improvements on the main Runway. The improvements will allow:
Unserviceability crosses are required Sea Lake Airport to have to properly prepare for a runway greater utilisation from closure. agricultural spraying business.
The need for a windsock. Improved emergency service facilities.
Birchip No information provided
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Airport Current Capability and Key Issues Desired Capability and Solutions
Donald The Donald airport has a sealed strip and a The airport needs to be upgraded to grass strip. Due to the weather conditions it become an all-weather facility. This is not an all-weather facility. includes: The airport provides services for local Seal the north-south runway. agriculture and businesses, commercial Upgrade power supply to meet aircraft, air ambulance services and CASA requirements. recreational light aircraft. Improve passenger and pilot Donald has a strong commercial centre amenities (terminal). with a growing industrial estate. The business and industrial sector currently use Install an open top water tank the local airport for passenger movement available for fire fighting and the quick transport of freight and purposes. emergency parts.
The airport currently does not have fire fighting capacity.
Charlton No information provided
Wycheproof No information provided
Hopetoun The Hopetoun Airport is one of two airports The Hopetoun airport needs to be in Yarriambiack and services the relatively upgraded to provide two sealed isolated but third largest township in the runways, to provide for all weather municipality, Hopetoun. The Hopetoun air traffic. This will improve safety airport is the closest airport to Wyperfeld and cater for general aviation National Park. activities and some charter operations. It will also provide The airport has been identified to be necessary facilities for emergency upgraded to meet the CASA Design services aircraft, particularly the air Standards for Licenced Airports for all ambulance, and for agricultural weather traffic and ensure long-term purposes. It will also enable the sustainability of the Hopetoun Airport. airport to be used for fire fighting is required.
Patchewollock Patchewollock Airport is currently an The Patchewollock airport needs to unregistered airport that services the small be upgraded to improve safety and isolated township of Patchewollock and the cater for general aviation activities. It northern part of the Shire of Yarriambiack. will also provide necessary facilities The airport is close to Wyperfeld National for emergency services aircraft, Park. particularly the air ambulance and for agricultural purposes. The airport has been identified to be upgraded to meet the CASA Design Standards to ensure long-term sustainability and improve safety.
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Airport Current Capability and Key Issues Desired Capability and Solutions
Warracknabeal The Warracknabeal airport is a registered The Warracknabeal airport needs to airport in Yarriambiack and services the be upgraded to provide two sealed largest township in the municipality. runways, to provide for all weather air traffic. This will improve safety The airport has been identified to be and cater for general aviation upgraded to meet the CASA Design activities and some charter Standards for Licenced Airports for all operations. weather traffic and ensure long-term sustainability of the Warracknabeal Airport. It will also provide necessary facilities for emergency services aircraft, fly in specialist medical services and for agricultural purposes.
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