New multilingual signs are being rolled out along the Great Ocean Road to help international tourists safely navigate one of Victoria’s most popular tourist routes.
In an Australian-first, trucks undertaking road works on the Great Ocean Road are now displaying messages in Mandarin and English, to alert international drivers to changed traffic conditions.
The multilingual electronic signs can display 25 different messages and will be used during peak road work periods.
The innovative idea came from a road worker who was using his phone and Google Translate to communicate to some international tourists.
Over seven million people use the Great Ocean Road every year, with the largest proportion of tourists visiting from China.
The Andrews Labor Government has invested $53 million to make the Great Ocean Road safer, with roadside remediation works such as rock netting and retaining walls.
This investment is on top of the $50 million State and Federal program of capital works and maintenance on the Great Ocean Road.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“The Great Ocean Road is a Victorian icon that attracts millions of visitors each year. We want people to have a safe and memorable experience when they visit the shipwreck coast.”
“It’s a simple idea but it will have a huge impact on safety for everyone that uses the Great Ocean Road.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott
“These signs are another way we are welcoming and encouraging international visitors to our State.”
“These ground-breaking signs will be a huge benefit to everyone on our roads - they will help tourists avoid confusion, disruption and understand changed conditions on the road.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“We’re doing an enormous amount of work to make the Great Ocean Road safer and more reliable. While we’re getting on with that work, these signs will help keep locals, tourists and road workers safe.”
“Tourism is a vital part of our local economy and these new signs are just one way that we are making sure the Great Ocean Road continues to welcome visitors from around the world.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020