Sealing of South Face Road Still a PriorityGary Blackwood, Member for Narracan during
this weeks sitting of State Parliament has called on the Minister for Roads and
Ports Tim Pallas ensure the sealing of Southface Road to support Gippsland's
tourism and alpine region.
"Since the construction of the road was
completed in 2007 the traffic movements during the winter months have increased
to over 18 000", Mr Blackwood said.
"The road provides a vital link between
East, Central and West Gippsland and Mount Baw Baw, which is now attracting
thousands of visitors all year round", said Mr Blackwood.
Mr Blackwood praised the efforts of local
business and tourism operators who have promoted the region however now said it
was time for the Government to invest in the road infrastructure to ensure this
strong growth was maintained.
"Mount Baw
Baw resort management and staff have done an exceptional job in promoting the
mountain as an all-year-round tourist attraction", said Mr Blackwood.
"This has increased visitor
numbers significantly to the towns of Walhalla, Erica, Rawson, Moe, Noojee and
Neerim South as Southface Road has completed a tourist loop road enabling
visitors to circumnavigate the entire area and enjoy all the fantastic
opportunities in food, wine and local produce, hospitality and leisure
activities on offer", said Mr Blackwood.
Mr Blackwood also drew the
Ministers attention to safety benefits the sealing of Southface Road would bring not only for
tourist and visitor patronage but also business and industry road users.
"It is absolutely essential
that Southface Road
is sealed. This will improve the safety for the ever-increasing numbers of
tourists and local business people", said Mr Blackwood.
"More importantly it will
enhance the options available all year round for safe access across this
heavily timbered part of Gippsland. At a time when most of this area is
recovering from three devastating bushfires that occurred in 2003, 2006 and
2009, we need to ensure every opportunity is taken to encourage visitors to
return," Mr Blackwood said.
Friday 12 June 2009
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