Paving the way for agribusiness upgrades in macedon

The Macedon Ranges agriculture sector will soon be transporting goods to market more safely and more efficiently through the Andrews Labor Government’s Local Roads to Market program.

In a win for farmers and local road users in the region, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today announced a $220,000 investment from the Labor Government from the second round of grants.

The funds will be used to widen a section of Sidonia Road to improve access for heavy vehicles servicing local livestock and stud breeding producers.

Sidonia Road connects farms in the area to the Calder Freeway, the saleyards and Hardwick Meats in Kyneton.

Farmers will be able to use larger heavy vehicles, reducing transportation costs and improving farm productivity.

This will benefit a number of local livestock farmers, including Glenardagh beef farm, Avington wool farm and other farms in the area.

The grant, along with co-investment from Macedon Ranges Shire Council, brings total investment in the project to $440,000.

The Sidonia Road upgrade is one of 39 projects, worth $24 million, the Labor Government is investing in this year to improve rural roads. The first round funded 29 projects worth $22.2 million across regional and rural Victoria in 2017.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Macedon Ranges community knows agriculture is one of this state’s most important sectors. This program is providing practical support to our primary producers."

"Our farm businesses and their supply chains will see improved productivity and be in a better position to compete in international markets because of this investment."

"These upgrades will improve agribusiness and supply chain productivity and improve the country road network for all users."