A new workplace health and safety awareness campaign targeting employers who risk workers’ lives is warning they face tough penalties if they do the wrong thing.
Minister for Workplace Safety Jill Hennessy joined Worksafe inspectors today to launch the new ‘More Inspectors. More Inspections.’ campaign which highlights the consequences for employers who fail to protect the health and safety of their workers.
It is viewed through the eyes of employers who experience the immediate trauma and aftermath when workers are killed or seriously injured while doing their job.
There have been 15 workplace deaths this year, leaving grieving families and friends behind.
The Andrews Labor Government has already announced that WorkSafe will employ up to 40 new inspectors over the next four years to focus on health and safety in the construction industry.
WorkSafe completed 48,652 health and safety visits last financial year, issuing 14,550 health and safety compliance notices. A total of 151 prosecutions for breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 were completed with court fines of more than $6.8 million imposed.
The Labor Government announced a Workplace Manslaughter Implementation Taskforce earlier this year as the first step in developing new legislation to make workplace manslaughter a criminal offence.
Under the proposed new laws, employers will face fines of almost $16 million and individuals responsible for negligently causing death will be held to account and will face up to 20 years in jail.
The campaign begins on August 25 and will include advertisements across TV, radio, print, billboards and social media.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Workplace Safety Jill Hennessy
“Worksafe inspectors are out in force, cracking down on employers who do the wrong thing – because one death in a workplace is one too many.”
“This campaign is about reminding employers of their responsibilities, and that those who do the wrong thing will be caught and prosecuted.”
Quote attributable to WorkSafe Chief Executive Clare Amies
“We want to remind employers of their responsibility to keep workers healthy and safe, and the pain, suffering and heavy legal consequences they face when they don’t.”
A new workplace health and safety awareness campaign targeting employers who risk workers’ lives is warning they face tough penalties if they do the wrong thing.
Minister for Workplace Safety Jill Hennessy joined Worksafe inspectors today to launch the new ‘More Inspectors. More Inspections.’ campaign which highlights the consequences for employers who fail to protect the health and safety of their workers.
It is viewed through the eyes of employers who experience the immediate trauma and aftermath when workers are killed or seriously injured while doing their job.
There have been 15 workplace deaths this year, leaving grieving families and friends behind.
The Andrews Labor Government has already announced that WorkSafe will employ up to 40 new inspectors over the next four years to focus on health and safety in the construction industry.
WorkSafe completed 48,652 health and safety visits last financial year, issuing 14,550 health and safety compliance notices. A total of 151 prosecutions for breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 were completed with court fines of more than $6.8 million imposed.
The Labor Government announced a Workplace Manslaughter Implementation Taskforce earlier this year as the first step in developing new legislation to make workplace manslaughter a criminal offence.
Under the proposed new laws, employers will face fines of almost $16 million and individuals responsible for negligently causing death will be held to account and will face up to 20 years in jail.
The campaign begins on August 25 and will include advertisements across TV, radio, print, billboards and social media.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Workplace Safety Jill Hennessy
“Worksafe inspectors are out in force, cracking down on employers who do the wrong thing – because one death in a workplace is one too many.”
“This campaign is about reminding employers of their responsibilities, and that those who do the wrong thing will be caught and prosecuted.”
Quote attributable to WorkSafe Chief Executive Clare Amies
“We want to remind employers of their responsibility to keep workers healthy and safe, and the pain, suffering and heavy legal consequences they face when they don’t.”
The Essential Services Commission has released a guide for energy and water retailers for Better practice in responding to family violence.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today welcomed the new guide as an important step in addressing the recommendations of the 2016 Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Family violence can have a significant financial toll on victim-survivors, especially where the perpetrator has used access to money and debts to exert control.
The better practice guide will help energy and water retailers develop systems and processes that support wellbeing and build trust with their customers affected by family violence.
The guide sets out steps energy and water retailers can take to ensure staff are trained to recognise family violence, can refer customers to support services and address economic abuse by offering payment difficulty assistance to those impacted by family violence.
The guide builds on water retailer codes which require retailers to have a family violence policy and new standards of conduct to boost protections, with better training for staff and improved account security and debt management practices. Similar requirements will be included in the Energy Retail Code from 1 January 2020.
Regulated water and energy businesses will make their own decisions on how to align their policies and procedures with the principles and actions for better practice set out under the guide.
This approach will encourage businesses to offer customer service beyond the minimum standards, and to inspire business practice towards constant improvement.
The better practice guide was developed through extensive collaborative work between the Essential Services Commission, energy and water businesses, the community sector, and other related organisations.
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re delivering landmark reforms to stamp out family violence and this better practice guide will help energy businesses provide tailored support to their customers.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“The water sector has already been leading the way in providing hardship support for customers – this guide builds upon that work to help further ease the burden of utility bills for victim-survivors of family violence.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“These new measures to support victim-survivors of family violence and protect those at risk of economic abuse come from the Royal Commission’s 227 recommendations – helping us rebuild the system from the ground up.”
The Essential Services Commission has released a guide for energy and water retailers for Better practice in responding to family violence.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today welcomed the new guide as an important step in addressing the recommendations of the 2016 Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Family violence can have a significant financial toll on victim-survivors, especially where the perpetrator has used access to money and debts to exert control.
The better practice guide will help energy and water retailers develop systems and processes that support wellbeing and build trust with their customers affected by family violence.
The guide sets out steps energy and water retailers can take to ensure staff are trained to recognise family violence, can refer customers to support services and address economic abuse by offering payment difficulty assistance to those impacted by family violence.
The guide builds on water retailer codes which require retailers to have a family violence policy and new standards of conduct to boost protections, with better training for staff and improved account security and debt management practices. Similar requirements will be included in the Energy Retail Code from 1 January 2020.
Regulated water and energy businesses will make their own decisions on how to align their policies and procedures with the principles and actions for better practice set out under the guide.
This approach will encourage businesses to offer customer service beyond the minimum standards, and to inspire business practice towards constant improvement.
The better practice guide was developed through extensive collaborative work between the Essential Services Commission, energy and water businesses, the community sector, and other related organisations.
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re delivering landmark reforms to stamp out family violence and this better practice guide will help energy businesses provide tailored support to their customers.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“The water sector has already been leading the way in providing hardship support for customers – this guide builds upon that work to help further ease the burden of utility bills for victim-survivors of family violence.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“These new measures to support victim-survivors of family violence and protect those at risk of economic abuse come from the Royal Commission’s 227 recommendations – helping us rebuild the system from the ground up.”
The next major phase of works at the Reservoir level crossing removal site will kick off tomorrow – allowing construction crews to ramp up work and get on and remove this notorious crossing for good.
To enable the next phase of works, the High Street intersection will be closed to traffic at the level crossing from 9:00pm tomorrow, reopening in late December.
Trains will continue to operate for the majority of this time and Reservoir station will remain open, with detours in place for road traffic and continued changes in place for pedestrians.
Detours will be via Keon Parade and Cheddar Road in the north, and via Spring Street and Murray Road in the south. Drivers should allow up to 15 minutes extra to travel the east-west detours at peak times of day.
During this time construction crews will reconfigure the road and build two, 185-metre-long steel bridge segments over the intersection.
On average, 36,000 vehicles travel through the notorious Reservoir level crossing every weekday, where High Street, Cheddar Road and Spring Street intersect. The six boom gates at this intersection can be down for 24-minutes during the two-hour morning peak.
In the past decade there were three recorded collisions, a fatality and 26 near misses at the level crossing. This includes collision between a train and car earlier this year.
The Reservoir level crossing removal and new station are scheduled to be complete in 2020. Raising the rail line over the road will offer the opportunity to develop public open space below and beside the rail bridge, including walking and cycling paths, landscaping and a public plaza for the community.
Work to improve safety and deliver more trains on the Mernda line, used by 33,000 passengers each weekday, is continuing with another four level crossing removals and new stations at Bell and Preston planned.
During the intersection closure, locals will be able to watch the bridge take shape from a range of public viewing areas.
For more information about the level crossing removal project visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer and Member for Preston Robin Scott
“No Government has removed this many level crossings this quickly – 29 are gone and Reservoir will soon join them.”
“It won’t be long until we can finally say goodbye to the dangerous and congested Reservoir level crossing – this intense period of construction is going to see the area transformed.”
“The progress at Reservoir so far has been phenomenal, I’m looking forward to the next phase of work taking place.”
The next major phase of works at the Reservoir level crossing removal site will kick off tomorrow – allowing construction crews to ramp up work and get on and remove this notorious crossing for good.
To enable the next phase of works, the High Street intersection will be closed to traffic at the level crossing from 9:00pm tomorrow, reopening in late December.
Trains will continue to operate for the majority of this time and Reservoir station will remain open, with detours in place for road traffic and continued changes in place for pedestrians.
Detours will be via Keon Parade and Cheddar Road in the north, and via Spring Street and Murray Road in the south. Drivers should allow up to 15 minutes extra to travel the east-west detours at peak times of day.
During this time construction crews will reconfigure the road and build two, 185-metre-long steel bridge segments over the intersection.
On average, 36,000 vehicles travel through the notorious Reservoir level crossing every weekday, where High Street, Cheddar Road and Spring Street intersect. The six boom gates at this intersection can be down for 24-minutes during the two-hour morning peak.
In the past decade there were three recorded collisions, a fatality and 26 near misses at the level crossing. This includes collision between a train and car earlier this year.
The Reservoir level crossing removal and new station are scheduled to be complete in 2020. Raising the rail line over the road will offer the opportunity to develop public open space below and beside the rail bridge, including walking and cycling paths, landscaping and a public plaza for the community.
Work to improve safety and deliver more trains on the Mernda line, used by 33,000 passengers each weekday, is continuing with another four level crossing removals and new stations at Bell and Preston planned.
During the intersection closure, locals will be able to watch the bridge take shape from a range of public viewing areas.
For more information about the level crossing removal project visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer and Member for Preston Robin Scott
“No Government has removed this many level crossings this quickly – 29 are gone and Reservoir will soon join them.”
“It won’t be long until we can finally say goodbye to the dangerous and congested Reservoir level crossing – this intense period of construction is going to see the area transformed.”
“The progress at Reservoir so far has been phenomenal, I’m looking forward to the next phase of work taking place.”
The Andrews Labor Government is boosting renewable energy in Victoria – creating thousands of jobs, putting more energy into the grid and driving down energy prices.
The Labor Government will today introduce a Bill into parliament to legislate increasing Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target (VRET) to 50 per cent by 2030 – as promised at last year’s election.
The Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) Amendment Bill 2019 builds on the Government’s VRET legislation, which will ensure 25 per cent of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources by 2020, and 40 per cent by 2025.
A strong renewable energy target boosts the pipeline of renewable projects and encourages businesses to invest in the local supply chain, boosting employment – particularly in regional Victoria.
An increased VRET will create around 24,000 jobs by 2030 and provides certainty and investor confidence for the renewable energy industry, driving an additional $5.8 billion in economic activity in Victoria.
The Government's VRET is not only creating thousands of jobs, it's boosting TAFE enrolments - with Federation University establishing a dedicated Global Wind Organisation Standard Course to give Victorians the skills they need for work in this booming industry.
Putting more renewable energy on the grid will also drive down the cost of power for Victorians – delivering savings of around $32 a year for households, $3,100 a year for medium businesses and $150,000 each year for large companies.
The increased target will also help drive down emissions – achieving a VRET of 50 per cent by 2030 is the equivalent of taking 655,000 cars off the road for a year.
The VRET is part of the Government’s ongoing work to help Victorian families take back control of their energy costs – with Solar Homes delivering solar panels to 700,000 homes, solar hot water systems to 60,000 homes and solar batteries to 10,000 homes over the next 10 years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“VRET has helped create a jobs boom – increasing it will mean more jobs, more investment and lower power bills.”
“These targets help industry to invest with certainty, creating local jobs – particularly in regional Victoria.”
“Victoria is the renewable energy capital of Australia and strengthening the VRET in law will keep it that way - boosting jobs, reducing emissions and driving down energy prices.”
The Andrews Labor Government is boosting renewable energy in Victoria – creating thousands of jobs, putting more energy into the grid and driving down energy prices.
The Labor Government will today introduce a Bill into parliament to legislate increasing Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target (VRET) to 50 per cent by 2030 – as promised at last year’s election.
The Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) Amendment Bill 2019 builds on the Government’s VRET legislation, which will ensure 25 per cent of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources by 2020, and 40 per cent by 2025.
A strong renewable energy target boosts the pipeline of renewable projects and encourages businesses to invest in the local supply chain, boosting employment – particularly in regional Victoria.
An increased VRET will create around 24,000 jobs by 2030 and provides certainty and investor confidence for the renewable energy industry, driving an additional $5.8 billion in economic activity in Victoria.
The Government's VRET is not only creating thousands of jobs, it's boosting TAFE enrolments - with Federation University establishing a dedicated Global Wind Organisation Standard Course to give Victorians the skills they need for work in this booming industry.
Putting more renewable energy on the grid will also drive down the cost of power for Victorians – delivering savings of around $32 a year for households, $3,100 a year for medium businesses and $150,000 each year for large companies.
The increased target will also help drive down emissions – achieving a VRET of 50 per cent by 2030 is the equivalent of taking 655,000 cars off the road for a year.
The VRET is part of the Government’s ongoing work to help Victorian families take back control of their energy costs – with Solar Homes delivering solar panels to 700,000 homes, solar hot water systems to 60,000 homes and solar batteries to 10,000 homes over the next 10 years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“VRET has helped create a jobs boom – increasing it will mean more jobs, more investment and lower power bills.”
“These targets help industry to invest with certainty, creating local jobs – particularly in regional Victoria.”
“Victoria is the renewable energy capital of Australia and strengthening the VRET in law will keep it that way - boosting jobs, reducing emissions and driving down energy prices.”
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Natimuk – a small Victorian wheat belt town – to reach its goal of being 100 per cent powered by renewable energy by building its own community owned solar farm.
Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced a funding grant of $339,000 to bring to market a 1.6MW community solar farm and create jobs in Natimuk.
Natimuk Community Energy Inc intend to build a 100 per cent community-owned solar farm, which will be capable of producing the equivalent of the town’s annual energy needs – a huge step towards being greenhouse gas emissions free.
The project is entirely community driven, with Natimuk locals combining commercial viability, strong community participation and social equity to deliver clean, affordable renewable energy and increase energy security.
The grant will assist the project to finalise the necessary approvals, connection studies, develop detailed design and operational plans and develop a financial model and market prospectus to attract investment for the construction phase.
This funding is being provided through the Labor Government’s $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund, which is supporting renewable energy projects by providing grants to companies and community groups.
These projects will give local communities more control over their energy use and costs while creating new jobs and delivering important social and environmental benefits.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re working with communities like Natimuk to help them achieve their goal of moving to 100 per cent renewable energy.”
“Through this grant we are empowering the Natimuk community to fully harness the benefits of locally produced clean energy and cut their power prices.”
“By transitioning to renewable energy we are protecting our environment, supporting new industries and creating local employment, education and training opportunities.”
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Natimuk – a small Victorian wheat belt town – to reach its goal of being 100 per cent powered by renewable energy by building its own community owned solar farm.
Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced a funding grant of $339,000 to bring to market a 1.6MW community solar farm and create jobs in Natimuk.
Natimuk Community Energy Inc intend to build a 100 per cent community-owned solar farm, which will be capable of producing the equivalent of the town’s annual energy needs – a huge step towards being greenhouse gas emissions free.
The project is entirely community driven, with Natimuk locals combining commercial viability, strong community participation and social equity to deliver clean, affordable renewable energy and increase energy security.
The grant will assist the project to finalise the necessary approvals, connection studies, develop detailed design and operational plans and develop a financial model and market prospectus to attract investment for the construction phase.
This funding is being provided through the Labor Government’s $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund, which is supporting renewable energy projects by providing grants to companies and community groups.
These projects will give local communities more control over their energy use and costs while creating new jobs and delivering important social and environmental benefits.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re working with communities like Natimuk to help them achieve their goal of moving to 100 per cent renewable energy.”
“Through this grant we are empowering the Natimuk community to fully harness the benefits of locally produced clean energy and cut their power prices.”
“By transitioning to renewable energy we are protecting our environment, supporting new industries and creating local employment, education and training opportunities.”
Older Victorians will receive better care and support to age well, thanks to ongoing research funded by the Andrews Labor Government and led by the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan this week announced $3.6 million over three years to support the invaluable work of NARI researchers.
NARI is Australia’s only independent institute dedicated to undertaking research in ageing and leads the nation by ensuring better outcomes for older people, their families and their carers.
NARI research projects include looking at the creation of a single registry to better understand older Victorians’ use of health and aged care services, and consulting with older people and their families to understand what is important to them when receiving these services.
The funding will also support an online resource to guide good clinical practice, and an updated environmental audit tool to improve safety for older people while in hospital.
The Labor Government is making record investments in aged care, including $81.6 million in a new 120-bed public residential aged care service in Wantirna and $27.75 million to support multicultural aged care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“NARI’s research is vital in ensuring that older Victorians can age well and I’m proud to continue supporting their work.”
“We are continually improving care for older Victorians and this funding will ensure our work is informed by cutting-edge research.”
Quote attributable to National Ageing Research Institute Director Associate Professor Briony Dow
“NARI would like to thank the Victorian Government for its long-term support and this new commitment of three years of funding, which will enable us to plan for the longer term and extend our range of research projects which will benefit older Victorians and their families.”
Older Victorians will receive better care and support to age well, thanks to ongoing research funded by the Andrews Labor Government and led by the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan this week announced $3.6 million over three years to support the invaluable work of NARI researchers.
NARI is Australia’s only independent institute dedicated to undertaking research in ageing and leads the nation by ensuring better outcomes for older people, their families and their carers.
NARI research projects include looking at the creation of a single registry to better understand older Victorians’ use of health and aged care services, and consulting with older people and their families to understand what is important to them when receiving these services.
The funding will also support an online resource to guide good clinical practice, and an updated environmental audit tool to improve safety for older people while in hospital.
The Labor Government is making record investments in aged care, including $81.6 million in a new 120-bed public residential aged care service in Wantirna and $27.75 million to support multicultural aged care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“NARI’s research is vital in ensuring that older Victorians can age well and I’m proud to continue supporting their work.”
“We are continually improving care for older Victorians and this funding will ensure our work is informed by cutting-edge research.”
Quote attributable to National Ageing Research Institute Director Associate Professor Briony Dow
“NARI would like to thank the Victorian Government for its long-term support and this new commitment of three years of funding, which will enable us to plan for the longer term and extend our range of research projects which will benefit older Victorians and their families.”
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a major funding package to support the huge growth in enrolments that its landmark Free TAFE initiative is driving across Victoria.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced an additional $11.7 million to accommodate the strong student demand for the Free TAFE program.
Support services to assist students facing disadvantage will be extended through a $6 million boost, including new course materials to help students improve their time management, study skills and literacy, making them more employable.
An additional $5 million will help ensure TAFEs keep up with demand so eligible students can enrol in their preferred Free TAFE course. A $500,000 initiative will offer teaching scholarships to professionals with industry experience to address staffing vacancies in priority areas.
A new $200,000 program will trial ways TAFEs can work with the not-for-profit early childhood sector to support work placements for students enrolled in The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, which start in 2020.
More than 25,000 students have commenced training in Free TAFE courses in the six months to the end of June, a 92 per cent increase in commencements in these courses compared to the same period in 2018. Female students account for 57 per cent of all Free TAFE students, up nine per cent compared with the same courses last year.
The data also shows that female participation has doubled in traditionally male-dominated courses such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Building Surveying and Cyber Security.
Meanwhile, students over the age of 30 account for 47 per cent of Free TAFE students and more than a quarter of Free TAFE commencements are in regional Victoria.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $1.3 billion to rebuild our TAFE system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This vital support will help kids studying for their first job – or Victorians retraining for the next career – get the skills they need for the job they want.”
“It will support extra staff, and help more Victorians get the full benefits of Free TAFE.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“Free TAFE is the most significant reform we’ve made to boost TAFE participation and we’re making it better than ever before. We said we would rebuild TAFE and that is exactly what we are doing.”
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a major funding package to support the huge growth in enrolments that its landmark Free TAFE initiative is driving across Victoria.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced an additional $11.7 million to accommodate the strong student demand for the Free TAFE program.
Support services to assist students facing disadvantage will be extended through a $6 million boost, including new course materials to help students improve their time management, study skills and literacy, making them more employable.
An additional $5 million will help ensure TAFEs keep up with demand so eligible students can enrol in their preferred Free TAFE course. A $500,000 initiative will offer teaching scholarships to professionals with industry experience to address staffing vacancies in priority areas.
A new $200,000 program will trial ways TAFEs can work with the not-for-profit early childhood sector to support work placements for students enrolled in The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, which start in 2020.
More than 25,000 students have commenced training in Free TAFE courses in the six months to the end of June, a 92 per cent increase in commencements in these courses compared to the same period in 2018. Female students account for 57 per cent of all Free TAFE students, up nine per cent compared with the same courses last year.
The data also shows that female participation has doubled in traditionally male-dominated courses such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Building Surveying and Cyber Security.
Meanwhile, students over the age of 30 account for 47 per cent of Free TAFE students and more than a quarter of Free TAFE commencements are in regional Victoria.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $1.3 billion to rebuild our TAFE system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This vital support will help kids studying for their first job – or Victorians retraining for the next career – get the skills they need for the job they want.”
“It will support extra staff, and help more Victorians get the full benefits of Free TAFE.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“Free TAFE is the most significant reform we’ve made to boost TAFE participation and we’re making it better than ever before. We said we would rebuild TAFE and that is exactly what we are doing.”
Tens of thousands of drivers in Melbourne’s north are a step closer to safer and quicker travel following the contract award for the second stage of the O’Herns Road Upgrade in Epping.
VEC Civil Engineering has been awarded the contract to build new intersections at Edgars Road, Gateway Boulevard and Koukoura Drive with traffic lights.
The upgrade also includes a diamond interchange providing direct access to the Hume Freeway, and a new lane in each direction between the Hume Freeway and Redding Rise.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the contract award would mean the next stage of the project could get underway as soon as possible.
“This upgrade will improve access to the Hume Freeway and the surrounding northern suburbs, busting congestion in the area, and getting people home sooner and safer,” Mr Tudge said.
“This region is also experiencing extraordinary growth and this investment will help freight access overseas and interstate markets through Melbourne.”
The upgrade is jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the project would improve connections and encourage economic activity and jobs across the region.
“This area of Melbourne is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and this project is part of the Government’s record investment major infrastructure improvements to better connect communities,” Ms Allan said.
“The O’Herns Road upgrade will help people to get home safer and sooner, create jobs and support businesses right across the region.”
Construction of the project has been given the green light following the granting of approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The Australian Government recently approved the approach to managing the area’s biodiversity and places of natural and cultural significance including possible impacts to the local endangered Golden Sun Moth and vulnerable Growling Grass Frog populations.
Victorian Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny said she’s thrilled that the project has received the necessary environmental approvals so work can get under way.
“We fought hard to have Edgars Rd built to O’Herns Road and now it’s happening – along with residents, I can’t wait to see work start. This is a great relief and will complement our massive upgrade of O’Herns Road,” Ms Halfpenny said.
Senator for Victoria James Paterson said the upgrade would improve traffic flow, reduce travel times and make travel easier across Melbourne’s north.
“This project will transform the way residents move across Melbourne’s north by providing a new interchange with direct access to the Hume Freeway from O’Herns Road,” Senator Paterson said.
“Additional lanes along O’Herns Road between the freeway and Redding Rise, and the new traffic lights at the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection as part of Stage One, will help to streamline traffic flow.”
Drivers are already enjoying smoother, more reliable journeys around O’Herns Road following the completion of the first stage of the project.
As part of Stage One of the upgrade, the O’Herns Road and High Street roundabout was replaced with traffic lights, reducing queues and improving travel times for more than 30,000 drivers who use this intersection every day.
Construction of Stage Two of the O’Herns Road upgrade is due to commence in August 2019.
Early works are already underway along O’Herns Road and the Hume Freeway in Epping, including geotechnical drilling with the project expected to be complete by mid-2021.
Tens of thousands of drivers in Melbourne’s north are a step closer to safer and quicker travel following the contract award for the second stage of the O’Herns Road Upgrade in Epping.
VEC Civil Engineering has been awarded the contract to build new intersections at Edgars Road, Gateway Boulevard and Koukoura Drive with traffic lights.
The upgrade also includes a diamond interchange providing direct access to the Hume Freeway, and a new lane in each direction between the Hume Freeway and Redding Rise.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the contract award would mean the next stage of the project could get underway as soon as possible.
“This upgrade will improve access to the Hume Freeway and the surrounding northern suburbs, busting congestion in the area, and getting people home sooner and safer,” Mr Tudge said.
“This region is also experiencing extraordinary growth and this investment will help freight access overseas and interstate markets through Melbourne.”
The upgrade is jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the project would improve connections and encourage economic activity and jobs across the region.
“This area of Melbourne is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and this project is part of the Government’s record investment major infrastructure improvements to better connect communities,” Ms Allan said.
“The O’Herns Road upgrade will help people to get home safer and sooner, create jobs and support businesses right across the region.”
Construction of the project has been given the green light following the granting of approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The Australian Government recently approved the approach to managing the area’s biodiversity and places of natural and cultural significance including possible impacts to the local endangered Golden Sun Moth and vulnerable Growling Grass Frog populations.
Victorian Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny said she’s thrilled that the project has received the necessary environmental approvals so work can get under way.
“We fought hard to have Edgars Rd built to O’Herns Road and now it’s happening – along with residents, I can’t wait to see work start. This is a great relief and will complement our massive upgrade of O’Herns Road,” Ms Halfpenny said.
Senator for Victoria James Paterson said the upgrade would improve traffic flow, reduce travel times and make travel easier across Melbourne’s north.
“This project will transform the way residents move across Melbourne’s north by providing a new interchange with direct access to the Hume Freeway from O’Herns Road,” Senator Paterson said.
“Additional lanes along O’Herns Road between the freeway and Redding Rise, and the new traffic lights at the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection as part of Stage One, will help to streamline traffic flow.”
Drivers are already enjoying smoother, more reliable journeys around O’Herns Road following the completion of the first stage of the project.
As part of Stage One of the upgrade, the O’Herns Road and High Street roundabout was replaced with traffic lights, reducing queues and improving travel times for more than 30,000 drivers who use this intersection every day.
Construction of Stage Two of the O’Herns Road upgrade is due to commence in August 2019.
Early works are already underway along O’Herns Road and the Hume Freeway in Epping, including geotechnical drilling with the project expected to be complete by mid-2021.