The Australian Government has announced it will provide A$257.5m ($231.5m) for the duplication of the Princes Highway between Winchelsea and Colac.

The project will receive a further A$257.5m ($231.5m) from the state government of Victoria towards the development.

The highway scheme aims to ensure safer travel between the south-west and Melbourne, and open up economic opportunities in the region.

The Princes Highway will be duplicated from Waurn Ponds to Colac, according to standard.net.au.