Recent revelations about the state of rural and regional roads in Victoria have raised serious concerns about government priorities.
In its annual report, the Department of Transport and Planning revealed that the area of road “rehabilitated or resurfaced” in regional Victoria dropped dramatically to just 422,000 square metres in 2023-24, down from 9 million sqm the previous year.
The data shows a 95 per cent reduction in road maintenance in the non-metro area, prompting state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe to voice strong criticism.
“A 95 per cent reduction in essential maintenance means that our already depleted roads will only get worse,” she said.
“Our communities are constantly frustrated, raising their disbelief in the appalling unsafe state of our roads.
“We are left with potholes, crumbling roads and dangerously unsafe driving conditions, which in some cases is resulting in costly damages to vehicles.”
Citing a 2023 government survey, Ms O’Keeffe said that 91 per cent of regional roads were rated as being in ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ condition.
“The government has their priorities all wrong,” she said.
“Safer Victorian roads should be a main priority.”