General News
29 November, 2025
Council pushes for intersection upgrade
PYRENEES Shire Council will seek substantial funding from the Australian Government to redesign an intersection where three people recently died. Mayor Damian Ferrari expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the three victims of the tragic accident at the Mt William Road and Eurambeen-Streatham Road intersection at Stoneleigh on Tuesday 11 November.
Cr Ferrari was joined by Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders at the intersection on Tuesday.
He said the devastating incident has underscored the need for safety improvements at the site, which borders the Pyrenees Shire and Ararat Rural City.
“Council has already applied for $860,000 in funding through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program to upgrade the intersection, including reconfiguring the layout to a staggered T-intersection and reducing the speed limit to 80 km/h.
“However, Pyrenees Shire has now contacted the responsible Commonwealth agency to change this funding request to $3 million for a roundabout instead.”
Cr Ferrari said since the 11 November tragedy, Council has advocated to both the Victorian and Australian governments for this funding to be prioritised.
“Council has also undertaken a site review to determine what short-term actions can help improve the intersection’s safety,” he said.
A Variable Message Sign (VMS) has been temporarily installed on the intersection’s eastern approach to provide additional notice to motorists of the upcoming stop sign.
Extra line marking, signage and vegetation removal is also proposed in the short-term, and Pyrenees Shire has received approval from the Department of Transport and Planning for an 80 km/h speed
reduction on the Eurambeen-Streatham Road in the vicinity of the intersection.
The VMS will remain in place until this short-term work is undertaken.
Meanwhile, Council is undertaking road safety works at 19 sites across the Shire with $2 million from the Victorian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Streets Program.
“Council is acutely aware of the distress this recent incident has caused the local community, including nearby residents, first responders and those directly affected,” Cr Ferrari said.
If you or someone you know needs support, free counselling is available through Amber Community on 1300 367 797 or at ambercommunity.org.au.