The Allan Labor Government must commit to giving regional Victoria a fair share of new infrastructure funding, The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Region Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad said many roads and bridges in the regions were in poor condition after years of neglect under the Labor State Government.
“Under Labor, just 13 per cent of new infrastructure spending has gone to regional projects, although 25 per cent of Victoria’s population lives in regional Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“The State Government has failed to prioritise key regional projects and the Federal Labor Government are doing the same.”
Ms Broad said it was hard to believe that the $208 million already committed by the former Coalition Government for the Shepparton bypass was scrapped.
“Not only is Shepparton a food bowl for the nation, but 25 per cent of the state’s trucks are registered in the region.
“Likewise, the community of Yarrawonga are also in need of major infrastructure works. The Yarrawonga bridge will be 100 years old this year.”
Ms Broad said the bridge had been incorrectly constructed in the first place, and was now sinking.
More than 10,000 vehicles per day cross the bridge, but it is not wide enough to accommodate today’s heavy transport vehicles or wide caravans.
Ms Broad urged the Premier to listen to expert advice, and rather than progress the flawed Suburban Rail Loop, commit to rebuilding regional roads and bridges in the coming State budget on May 7.
“Our regions supply food for our tables and export food and fibre to the world.
“To invest in our regions would bring strong economic returns to our state. It is time that regional Victoria received our fair share of State Government funding.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
