Hepburn Shire Council has been awarded $1,064,700 from the Federal Government’s Black Spot program to realign the intersection at the centre of the 2023 collision that killed five people after a car ploughed into the Royal Daylesford Hotel beer garden.
The Council has been advocating for funding to provide long-term safety improvements to the Albert Street and Howe Street (Midland Highway) intersection since the horrific crash.
The funding will allow Council to close off the intersection at Albert Street and the Midland Highway to create a new green community activation space.
The solution was one of four options presented to the public during a consultation period between July and August last year.
After carefully considering community feedback as well as expert advice, Council made the decision to apply for funding that would see Albert Street closed to through traffic, creating a court bowl and formalising parking to service adjacent businesses.
Mayor, Tony Clark (pictured, right, with Federal Infrastructure Minister, Catherine King) said the funding allocation was a great outcome for the Hepburn Shire and will greatly benefit the community.
“I’m proud to acknowledge the crucial funding that makes this project possible, and thank the Albanese Government. This fully funded project will see the intersection at Albert Street and Midland Highway closed to create a vibrant new green space,” he said.
“This will enhance safety, provide easier access to the trading area, and deliver more open space for everyone.
“It aligns with Council’s strategic goals in Future Hepburn, and now, with funding secured, we will move to progress detailed design and prepare to tender construction and will keep working closely with residents and businesses throughout the process.”
To read more about the project, visit Participate Hepburn.
