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A spokeswoman has responded to comments from Member for Ripon Louise Staley regarding the state government for not matching federal funding.
"The Victorian Government is providing a record investment in upgrading regional roads," he said.
"The Government is getting on with Western Highway duplication between Buangor and Ararat and will consider proposals for future stages."
EARLIER:
MEMBER for Ripon Louise Staley has slammed the state government for not matching federal funding for completion of the Western Highway duplication project.
Ms Staley said that during budget estimates hearings on Wednesday, Roads Minister Jaala Pulford said the state government has not provided funding to match the $360 million in federal funding for the Ararat to Stawell duplication project because it was not a priority.
Ms Staley said that under questioning the Minister said there was no matched funding for the project because the 2019-20 state budget was about delivering on the Labor government's election priorities.
"This project is already four years overdue," Ms Staley said.
"Including this money in the budget would have enabled the project to finally get completed."
Ms Staley called it a disgrace, and said it was incomprehensible that the final section wasn't a priority for the government, given during the same hearing VicRoad's chief executive officer said funding was delivered to roads with the highest strategic importance and were the biggest economic drivers.
"The treasure, Tim Pallas, also confirmed during his PAEC (Public Accounts and Estimates Committee) hearing that this project was not a priority," Ms Staley said.
"We have a premier for Melbourne, his taxing treasurer and Roads Minister not caring about projects outside of the Melbourne tram tracks.
"This project is overdue."
More to come.
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