IMPACT Route complete, strengthening connections across Mansfield Shire
The Integrating Mansfield’s Productivity, Agricultural Communities and Tourism (IMPACT) Route is now complete – delivering a major infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity, support local industry and enhance the visitor experience across central eastern Victoria. The IMPACT Route establishes a key agricultural and tourism corridor by linking outlying towns and primary producers via an upgraded, all-weather access road between Mansfield, the Mansfield–Woods Point Road and Mt Buller Road.
The improved route provides more direct and reliable access for agricultural transport and livestock vehicles, while also delivering a safer and more enjoyable journey for visitors travelling by car, four-wheel-drive, campervan or caravan. The project included significant upgrades across several key roads, including Highton Lane, Rifle Butts Road and Chapel Hill Road.
Key improvements also featured the construction of a compact roundabout at the intersection of Highton Lane, Rifle Butts Road and Monkey Gully Road, which has improved pedestrian and vehicle safety significantly. Upgrades to the intersection of Chapel Hill Road and Hearns Road has also been delivered. Other critical infrastructure improvements include upgrades to a major culvert on Rifle Butts Road, a new low-level crossing at Lanky Creek and enhancements to the Delatite River Bridge on Chapel Hill Road.
This will support increased load capacity, turning movements and improved resilience during adverse weather conditions. The total project cost was more than $12.5 million, with over $9.8 million funded by the Australian Government and more than $2.7 million contributed by Mansfield Shire Council. Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP: “The newly completed IMPACT Route is a massive win for the high country’s primary producers and tourism operators.
“Removing weight and size restrictions across this 26-kilometre corridor will unlock productivity gains for local agricultural businesses and streamline freight movement. “This joint investment with the Mansfield Shire Council seamlessly connects outlying towns, helping to safely manage the 1.8 million annual visitors who power the central eastern Victorian region's vibrant economy." Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Michelle Ananda-Rajah: "Safe, strong and reliable roads are essential to regional productivity, and to the everyday movement of people, goods and services.
“The completion of the IMPACT Route through this joint investment will make a real difference by keeping communities connected, supporting more efficient freight movement and improving safety during challenging weather conditions.” Quotes attributable to Mayor of Mansfield, Steve Rabie: “The completion of the IMPACT Route marks a significant milestone for the region.
“The IMPACT Route is a game changer for Mansfield Shire. “It strengthens vital links between our agricultural producers, communities and tourism assets, ensuring safer, more efficient travel across our region. “The completion of the IMPACT Route represents a major step forward in building a more connected, resilient and accessible Mansfield Shire.”