AS we approach the Easter long weekend, with an expected influx of tourists driving to our beautiful regions, I want to remind Victorians to be mindful of the poor state of our road network.
Since 2020-21, the State Government has cut the annual road asset maintenance budget by over $230 million, and the impact is clear as day to all who live and work in regional Victoria.
Potholes, crumbling edges and uneven surfaces are now commonplace, making travel unsafe for locals and tourists and adding to the worries of the truck drivers who transport our essential supplies.
Putting up a rough surface sign and dropping speed limits isn’t good enough. Yet all too often appears to be the solution from our city-centric Labor government.
Tragically, we’ve already had 86 road fatalities in just the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 32 per cent on this time last year.
For the sake of those 86 people, their family and friends, and all regional road users, the government must take some responsibility and ensure that our roads are safe and well maintained.
In the upcoming State Budget, The Nationals are calling on the government to immediately provide increased and ongoing funding for both state and locally managed roads.
The Nationals announced a policy ahead of the November state election of $1 billion every year for 10 years and the return of the successful Country Roads and Bridges Program.
I challenge the government to match it. Anything less will only lead to further deterioration of our road network and risk more Victorian lives.
In the meantime, whatever you are doing this long weekend – please be patient, drive safe and watch out for the potholes.
Peter Walsh
Leader of The Nationals
Member for Murray Plains
