Projects

Warragul and Drouin future transport planning

We’re exploring ways to improve traffic flow and safety in Warragul and Drouin.

Project status:

Planned

Overview

Warragul and Drouin are key regional centres in West Gippsland. Their population is projected to grow by 75 per cent between 2024 and 2046, increasing demand on the local road and transport network for residents, businesses and freight operators.

The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments have committed $3 million to plan for the future arterial road network in the Warragul–Drouin area. This planning work will help ensure the transport system can support growth, improve safety, and provide reliable connections within the region and to Melbourne.

Why this project is important

Population and economic growth in Warragul and Drouin will place increasing pressure on the existing transport network. Strategic planning now will ensure the network can continue to operate safely and efficiently into the future.

This planning work will:

identify where upgrades may be required to support future growth
examine ways to improve connections for residents, freight operators and businesses
find ways to support economic development and housing supply targets
identify opportunities to enhance road safety and network reliability
identify better options for active transport such as walking and cycling
find ways to help build a more sustainable transport network with lower congestion and emissions, and
look at protecting the region’s environmental and community values.

What’s happening

This planning work will be delivered over several years, in three stages:

Understanding current and future needs
Assess existing conditions and identify issues and opportunities across the network.
Investigating improvement options
Develop and assess potential upgrades to improve safety, efficiency and reliability.
Preparing a preferred plan
Identify the preferred transport solution to guide future investment.

Working with the community

Understanding how the local community uses the transport network is an important part of the planning process. Engagement will take place with the community, Baw Baw Shire Council and First Peoples to ensure local knowledge and aspirations help shape our plans.

Next steps

Planning work is expected to begin in 2026 and will run over several years.
Community engagement will be undertaken as planning progresses.
We’ll keep the community informed as the project moves forward.