The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has called on the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, in Parliament this week to provide additional funding to fix the appalling condition of roads across the region, following the government’s re-announcement of the funding provided in the State Budget.
“This week’s announcement included funding for just 1.4km of road repairs in my electorate,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The Echuca-Mooroopna Road is only one of many roads in my community in desperate need of repairs and urgent attention.”
Ms O’Keeffe recently attended a Road Safety Community Forum hosted by Victoria Police, where the poor condition of local roads was raised as a matter of urgency. Road Safety Goulburn Valley representatives also raised their concerns about the state of the region’s roads.
“Our community has experienced a significant rise in road accidents and fatalities in recent months. Our road toll is the highest in 15 years,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Despite this, Labor has cut $230 million from road safety programs over the past two years, including a $150 million reduction in the TAC-funded safer system roads and infrastructure program, and an $81 million shortfall in the TAC marketing and road safety budget over the past two financial years.”
Ms O’Keeffe also said there was a need for immediate attention to road maintenance.
“The Allan Labor Government is slashing resurfacing and rehabilitation works, which have plummeted by more than 65% on regional roads. Meanwhile, we are experiencing the consequences of the Labor Government cutting roads maintenance by 45% since 2020.”
Ms O’Keeffe said her office is inundated with concerned constituents calling for repairs to the roads.
“Our unsafe roads are crumbling, filled with dangerous potholes and broken surfaces, putting lives at risk,” she said.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our roads, and regional Victorians are paying the price.”