Warrnambool City Council has welcomed the announcement of $80 million in Federal and State government funding to improve the highways between Colac and the South Australian border.

“This is really positive news and a great start on improving the Princes Highway through the Great South Coast region,” Warrnambool City Council (WCC) Mayor Cr Kylie Gaston said.

“We know the Princes Highway plays an important role in conveying people and produce and that the volumes of traffic on the highway are increasing.”

Of the $80 million, half will be spent on the Princes Highway and the other on the Henty Highway between Portland and Hamilton.

WCC Chief Executive Officer Bruce Anson said Council would work with VicRoads and the State Government on identifying projects to improve safety and travel times along the highway.

In addition to the funding for the Princes and Hamilton highways the Great Ocean Road will receive a $50 million upgrade and $10 million will be invested on the Hamilton Highway between Geelong and Cressy.

The funds are part of a $690 million rural and regional roads package funded by the State and Federal governments.