Funds shine light on street’s safety

By Melissa Donchi
CASEY MP Tony Smith has announced a $400,000 grant to improve Bell Street in Seville.
Mr Smith said the funding would allow for traffic signals to be installed at the intersection of Bell Street, Link Road and the Warburton Highway.
“This will help make the dangerous intersection safer and address traffic congestion and delays,” Mr Smith said.
“Better, more efficient roads means lower costs for local industry, more jobs and fewer accidents.”
The funding was made available through the Auslink Strategic Regional Programme in the Federal Budget.
Mr Smith said the federal funds would be paid to the shire by 30 June 2007 allowing planning to start almost immediately.
Manager of Civil Development Services at the Shire of Yarra Ranges Mark Varmalis said there was strong community support behind the road upgrade.
“The community has been waiting to do something like this for more than 20 years,” Mr Varmalis said.
“Lights have been the number one concern for residents especially with the nearby preschool.”
Mr Smith said the Federal Government would invest another $300 million into the Auslink Strategic Regional Programme under Auslink 2 which will enable councils to submit new applications.
“I encourage our local councils to begin working on submissions for additionally regionally important projects that can be funded under this excellent program,” Ms Smith said.
“The Australian Government is committed to investing in roads and transport infrastructure to grow the economy and plan for the future.”