Western councils unite behind vision for Western Highway
Published on 21 September 2026
The Western Highway Action Committee (WHAC), representing 10 municipalities across Victoria's west including Pyrenees Shire Council, has released a new advocacy prospectus outlining a shared vision and investment priorities for the Western Highway corridor from Melton to the South Australian border.
The prospectus identifies key projects needed to improve safety, freight efficiency, regional connectivity and the long-term resilience of one of Australia's most important interstate transport routes.
Since its establishment in 1999, WHAC has been a strong and consistent advocate for Western Highway upgrades, helping secure significant infrastructure investments.
The committee's latest prospectus builds on that legacy by setting out a coordinated roadmap for future investment and collaboration between local government and all levels of government.
The prospectus outlines WHAC's long-term aspiration of achieving a fully duplicated, freeway-standard Western Highway from Melbourne to the South Australian border, while prioritising immediate projects that address critical safety and capacity constraints. These include duplication between Buangor and Ararat, the Beaufort Bypass construction, upgrades between Melton and the M80, the Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road connections, duplication between Ararat and Stawell, and an improved maintenance program.
WHAC Chair Cr Rod Ward, from Moorabool Shire Council, said the prospectus demonstrated the united commitment of western Victorian councils to improving one of the state's most significant transport corridors.
"For more than two decades, WHAC has provided a strong and united voice for communities along the Western Highway. While significant progress has been made, there is still important work to do to ensure the corridor meets the needs of our growing communities, freight operators and visitors,” Mr Ward said.
"This prospectus sets out a practical and considered roadmap for future investment. Our priorities focus on improving safety, reducing travel delays, strengthening freight productivity and connecting regional communities with jobs, services and opportunities.
"The Western Highway is not only the lifeblood of western Victoria, but also a nationally significant freight route connecting Melbourne with Adelaide and Perth. Continued investment is essential to ensure it remains safe, efficient and fit for the future.
“The WHAC was formed in 1999 - which coincidentally was when the Western Ring Road was completed – and notably the total population along the Western Highway in 1999 was approximately 180,000. Today the population along the Highway has grown to an estimated 453,000. By 2046, this population is expected to exceed 750,000.
“Investment in the Western Highway has been neglected for too long and we call on the Victorian Government to rectify this.”
WHAC member councils are encouraging the Victorian and Australian governments to continue partnering with local government to deliver the next generation of upgrades identified in the prospectus.
Pyrenees Shire Council Mayor Damian Ferrari said: “Projects such as the Beaufort Bypass will improve safety outcomes, support freight movement and enhance liveability for local communities."
WHAC member LGAs include Melton City, Moorabool Shire, Ballarat City, Pyrenees Shire, Ararat Rural City, Yarriambiack Shire, Northern Grampians Shire, Horsham Rural City, Hindmarsh Shire and West Wimmera Shire.