Labor’s neglect of regional roads has reached a new low, with the Allan Government dismantling Regional Roads Victoria—the agency created to ensure regional communities have safe and reliable roads.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, said the decision shows the government’s continued disregard for the safety and wellbeing of regional Victorians.
“Regional Roads Victoria was a dedicated body that would give regional Victorians the attention we deserve on our roads. But now Labor is dismantling this vital agency, while slashing funding for road maintenance year after year,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
A government survey conducted last year found that 91 per cent of regional roads were rated as “poor” or “very poor,” yet funding for road maintenance continues to drop. This year’s road funding is 16 per cent less than in 2020, and the amount of road resurfacing across the state has fallen by two-thirds.
“Our communities are constantly raising their disbelief of the appalling unsafe state of our roads,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“We are left with potholes, crumbling roads, and dangerously unsafe driving conditions, and it’s clear the government are stepping away from its responsibilities.”
In addition to dismantling Regional Roads Victoria, Labor have also decided to sell SprayLine Road Services, its only government-owned road maintenance business.
“Regional communities are once again being left behind, with the government prioritising billions on city-centric projects while allowing regional roads to deteriorate, Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Each day it becomes clearer that Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage regional roads and Victorian’s are paying the price.”