The budget announcement by the Federal Government yesterday to fund the entirety of the project to seal the final 12 kilometres of the northern section of the Bonang Road is great news for East Gippsland.

East Gippsland Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Anthony Basford said the sealing of the final stretch of the Bonang Road had been one of high priority for Council.

“We have advocated strongly for work on this Regional Roads Victoria managed road to be funded at both state and federal level. The announcement by the Commonwealth for $7 million for the road in the 2020/21 Budget, in addition to $2 million committed last year, will be well received,” Mr Basford said.

“We thank the Federal Government for the investment.

“This work will make some our most remote communities more accessible. It will greatly enhance safety, improve access to market for various industries, and make it a more attractive touring route.

“We have long touted this as a shovel-ready project, and we look forward to the economic benefits it will bring during and after construction.

“We’ve been pleased to add our voice to calls by local businesses and residents, and the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce to have this key infrastructure project realised.”

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