Darren Chester (Gippsland, National Party, Deputy Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for McMillan for his question. The member for McMillan is my electoral neighbour, and what a great neighbour he is. It is great to see him working every day, focusing on delivering for his constituency right across the McMillan electorate. He lives in one of the most spectacular parts of Victoria—one of the most scenic regions.

The issue he raised is in relation to the South Gippsland Highway. As you travel out of Melbourne and along the South Gippsland Highway through the beautiful townships of Leongatha, Meeniyan and Foster and those communities, one of the big challenges for people travelling on that part of road to Wilsons Promontory, the very popular part of Victoria, is the way that the South Gippsland Highway is falling into a state of disrepair. The member for McMillan has been a real champion of securing additional funding for that road. I was very pleased to announce during the election campaign, in partnership with the member for McMillan, a $25 million commitment from the federal government. We are urging the Victorian state government to match that funding. The Victorian state government has indicated a level of interest in supporting us in our efforts to save lives on the South Gippsland Highway.

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