COOPERATION DELIVERS FOR PENOLA BYPASS

Residents and those travelling through the South East will soon experience a safer more efficient journey thanks to the long awaited Penola Bypass being completed.State Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll visited the bypass as part of a trip to the Limestone Coast.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is serious about investing in our regions, particularly when it comes to productive infrastructure,” said Minister Knoll.
“The Penola Bypass project is a no-brainer, it will get freight trucks out of the town and make it safer for the local community.
“We committed to the project before the election and we’ll be delivering for the people if the South East.”
The completion of the bypass is being made possible thanks to Federal Funding secured by Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin over three years ago.
“Although not a Federal responsibility, I saw a half finished, ‘road to nowhere’ that the State Labor Government of the day refused to finish. That’s why I sought to lobby the Federal Government to help fund the project,” said Mr Pasin.
The construction of a road to bypass Penola and divert heavy vehicles around the town has been spoken about for over 50 years.
After being successful in securing Commonwealth funding to complete the project, the previous State Labor government refused to accept the funding and get the project done.
“The half completed, ‘road to nowhere’ has been an embarrassment and a constant reminder to the people of the South East that under a Labor Government regions don’t matter,” Mr Pasin said.
“A Liberal Government at State level will finally see the bypass completed. It’s such a relief to work with a cooperative State Government that understands that regions matter. This is a great example of Liberal Governments working together to achieve outcomes,” Mr Pasin said.
Member for MacKillop said it was fantastic to deliver on a key election promise for his community.
“The Penola Bypass is a great example of what three levels of Government working for the community can achieve,” said Mr McBride.
“I have had many discussions with The Wattle Range Council, as well as my State and Federal colleagues about the completion of this road, and it is fantastic to see this commitment realised.
“The Penola township will soon be safer thanks to the heavy vehicle bypass. Local businesses will be able to focus on encouraging more tourists to stop and enjoy this historic town and all that it has to offer. “