THE HON KRISTY MCBAIN MP 

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TERRITORIES 

SENATOR JANA STEWART MUTTHI MUTTHI WAMBA WAMBA SENATOR FOR VICTORIA 

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

FUNDING SAFER ROADS ACROSS MALLEE AND NICHOLLS

The Albanese Government continues to improve road safety in Victoria, delivering $6,130,260 in funding for safety upgrades at 5 locations across the Mallee and Nicholls electorates.

The upgrades will deliver targeted safety improvements across five locations in the Mallee and Nicholls electorates. At Sturt Highway (Deakin Avenue) / Eleventh Street in Mildura, signal phasing will be modified to provide an early pedestrian start ($127,260). At Fifteenth Street and San Mateo Avenue, also in Mildura, a pedestrian head start will be implemented along with new lanterns and supporting treatments ($148,000). At the Sturt Highway / Oak Avenue / Sheoak Avenue intersection, works will stagger the intersection and include pavement widening, lighting, line marking and signage ($2,273,000). On the Goulburn Valley Highway between Union Road and Devine Road, safety barriers will be installed and upgraded, along with audio tactile line marking and supporting treatments ($2,931,000). At Old Wilby Road / Channel Road in Yarrawonga, works will install raised safety platforms, change give way signs to stop signs, and include kerb and channel, signage, delineation, lighting and a speed limit review to 80 km/h ($651,000).

The Albanese Government is committing $6,130,260 to these projects as part of $48 million committed to Victorian roads under the 2026-27 Black Spot Program funding round.

The projects were recommended by the Victoria Black Spot Consultative Panel. This panel is comprised of local stakeholders to ensure nominations of the highest priority and importance to the local community are recommended for approval.

The Albanese Government has increased annual Black Spot Program funding to $150 million, improving road safety at sites right across the country.

It is a key part of our commitment to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

Anyone can nominate a Black Spot for consideration, including individuals, community groups and local councils.

For details on funded projects, to make a nomination, or for further information on the Australian Government Black Spot Program, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local–initiatives/black–spot–program.

Quotes attributable to Senator Jana Stewart, Senator for Victoria:

"Growing up in regional Victoria, I know our roads are the lifelines that connect us to school, work, and our loved ones. Every local family deserves to navigate their community without fear, and these upgrades ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of regional Victorians."

"The Albanese Government is taking proactive action to protect lives by upgrading the intersections and stretches of highway that local families rely on every single day."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:

"The Black Spot Program delivers low-cost improvements that have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of serious crashes and fatalities on our roads.

"This latest round of funding will make Victorian roads safer by enabling safety upgrades at dangerous locations.

"With our increased funding commitment to this long-running program, I encourage individuals, organisations and local governments to nominate sites in their local communities at any time for consideration in the next funding round."

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS: MINISTER MCBAIN – ANDREW BENSON, 0436 289 839 SENATOR STEWART – BENNETT DAVY, 0403 734 444