New data from the State Government has revealed the Allan Labor Government’s neglect for rural and regional roads across the state, with the area of road maintenance undertaken falling by 95 per cent.
Data published in the Department of Transport and Planning annual report shows the area of road “rehabilitated or resurfaced” in regional Victoria fell to just 422,000 square metres in 2023/24, down from 9 million square metres the year before and 11.5 million in the prior year.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe said Labor continue to make excuses but there is no denying the ongoing neglect and the appalling condition of our crumbling and unsafe roads.
“A 95 per cent reduction in essential maintenance means that our already depleted roads will only get worse.
“Our communities are constantly frustrated raising their disbelief of the appalling unsafe state of our roads.
“We are left with potholes, crumbling roads, and dangerously unsafe driving conditions which in some cases is resulting in costly damages to vehicles.”
Ms O’Keeffe said that the Government’s own survey last year found that 91 per cent of the roads it surveyed were either in poor or very poor condition – something that all Victorian motorists are well aware of.
“The government has their priorities all wrong. Safer Victorian roads should be a main priority.
“Each day it is clear that Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our roads and Victorians are paying the price.”