The Nationals Member for Shepparton District Kim O’Keeffe today in Parliament has raised concerns with the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne regarding the rise in road fatalities in the region.
“Reginal Victoria is experiencing a significant rise in road accidents and fatalities, and I urge the minister to address this as a matter of urgency,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Victoria is experiencing its highest road toll in 15 years, with a significant number of these tragedies occurring in regional Victoria.”
The Allan Labor government has cut a staggering $230 million in road safety programs. This includes a $150 million reduction in the TAC funded safer system roads and infrastructure program, alongside an $81 million shortfall in the TAC marketing and road safety budget over the past two financial years.
“It’s alarming to note that there has also been a 45% reduction in road maintenance funding from 2020, which has led to the appalling unsafe condition of our roads,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“We must do all we can to ensure the safety of our roads, and I urge the Minister to re-instate critical road maintenance and road safety program funding in the upcoming budget.”
Ms O’Keeffe recently attended a round table discussion with Road Safe Goulburn Valley, who shared their grave concerns regarding the spike in road fatalities in the region.
“It is clear that we are facing a road safety crisis on our roads. Immediate action is necessary to reverse this distressing trend,” she said.
“Our community deserves to know how the state government plans to address these concerns and I’m eager to hear the Minister’s response regarding this matter, especially given its urgency.”