The Labor Government with the help of the cross bench blocked an Inquiry investigating the poor
state of roads, particularly in rural and regional Victoria.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad voted in support of an inquiry into the
condition of our roads, including current budget allocations, design standards and delivering value for
money.
Ms Broad said an Inquiry was needed to review the state of our roads and chart a way forward to
improve road surface quality and lifespan.
“The electorate of Northern Victoria covers 100,000 square kilometres, and having driven across
large parts of the state, our road network is falling apart,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“There are large potholes, that come up without warning so you can either hit it or dodge it – both
are risky.
“Victoria’s road network is vital – it connects our state. We need a smooth, reliable, and safe road
network that is properly maintained. This is a key responsibility of the state government.
“At the time when we should be prioritising road maintenance funding, the State Budget saw a
further cut in road maintenance funding, down 45% on what it was in 2020.
“We rely on fresh produce coming from the regions to our supermarket and shop shelves, but our
roads are not built to withstand the weight of large transport vehicles,” Ms Broad said.
The government’s own Transport Department found “significantly accelerated deterioration” across
the network after a study of 8400km of road.
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) estimates $1 billion is needed for post-flood
reconstruction.
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has estimated that councils can maintain just 65% of
their roads.
Tragically, more than 130 lives have been lost on Victorian roads this year to date, and 58% of all
road deaths occurred on our regional roads.
“Improving the quality and durability of our regional roads is essential to creating safer and more
efficient networks for primary producers, businesses, families, and communities.”
Picture caption: Gaelle Broad MP inspects our crumbling roads with Nationals leader Peter Walsh and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety Danny O’Brien.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
