Paynesville’s ability to accommodate future growth is being held back by outdated intersections, with Council calling on candidates running in the upcoming state election to fund critical upgrades that would unlock new housing and improve local road safety.
Council is seeking $4 million in Victorian Government funding to deliver a package of intersection upgrades designed to support the Paynesville Growth Area and ease pressure on the local road network.
East Gippsland Shire Mayor Jodie Ashworth said the project is a practical, shovel-ready solution that would directly enable more homes for the region while improving safety for residents and visitors.
“Paynesville has been identified as a key growth town for East Gippsland, but without these intersection upgrades, we simply can’t unlock the housing supply already planned for the area,” Cr Ashworth said.
“This is about making sure our roads keep pace with growth. It is a sensible, well-designed package of works that will improve safety and support the town’s future as a place to live, work and visit.”
The proposed works include upgrades to the Paynesville Road (Transport Victoria managed) and Grandview Road intersection, as well as improvements to the Main Street-Ashley Street and Main Street-King Street intersections.
Cr Ashworth said the upgrades were essential to unlocking around 1,400 new homes expected over the next decade in the town’s rezoned growth area.
“These intersections are already under pressure, and they sit on key routes used by families, school children, and visitors accessing Paynesville, Eagle Point and Raymond Island,” she said. “Without investment now, congestion and safety issues will only increase as the town grows.”
The project forms part of the broader Paynesville Growth Area Structure Plan and is supported by completed design work, making it shovel ready and capable of delivery within two years.
Because the works are located within an already developed residential area, developer contributions are not expected to fully fund the required upgrades.
Council has identified the Victorian Government’s Future Regions Program as a potential funding source.
Council’s advocacy package includes priority investments in roads, health, housing, flood and drainage infrastructure, sporting facilities, emergency services, forestry transition and public land management, along with reform of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy.
