Albert Street receives critical Black Spot funding
Published on 23 April 2026
Today, Thursday 23 April, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, announced that Hepburn Shire Council is receiving $1,064,700 from the Federal Government’s Black Spot program to realign the Albert Street and Howe Street (Midland Highway) intersection.
Council has been advocating for funding to provide long-term safety improvements to the intersection since a fatal collision took place in 2023.
The funding will allow Council to close off the intersection at Albert Street and the Midland Highway to create a new green community activation space.
This was one of four options presented to the public during a consultation period between July and August in 2025.
After carefully considering community feedback as well as expert advice, Council made the decision to apply for funding that would see Albert Street closed to through traffic, creating a court bowl and formalising parking to service adjacent businesses.
Mayor, Councillor Tony Clark, said that this is a great outcome for the Hepburn Shire and will greatly benefit the community.
“I’m proud to acknowledge the crucial funding that makes this project possible, and thank the Albanese Government. This fully funded project will see the intersection at Albert Street and Midland Highway closed to create a vibrant new green space.”
“This will enhance safety, provide easier access to the trading area, and deliver more open space for everyone. It aligns with Council’s strategic goals in Future Hepburn, and now, with funding secured, we will move to progress detailed design and prepare to tender construction and will keep working closely with residents and businesses throughout the process,” he said.
Council will continue to engage with the community and nearby businesses to achieve outcomes that support economic growth and expand shared local spaces.
To read more about the project, visit Participate Hepburn.
To read more about the Federal Government’s Black Spot program, visit Black Spot Program.