The Victorian Government and crossbench have rejected an inquiry into the condition of the state’s roads, particularly in rural and regional Victoria.
Nationals State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the motion would look into road construction, repair, maintenance and road safety at a time when it was most needed.
“Road maintenance funding has decreased from $702.2 million to just $441.6 million in the last year alone, despite the dire state of Victoria's regional road network,” Ms Cleeland said.
However, a state government spokesperson said the average annual expenditure on road asset management since the 2018 election was $853 million, well over the $493 million average of the former Coalition government.
“The Victorian Budget 2023-24 is delivering an extra $2.8 billion in road maintenance over 10 years to ensure motorists can keep moving safely — meaning at least $6.6 billion will be invested in road asset management on Victoria’s road network over the next decade,” the spokesperson said.
“We are investing $770 million in maintaining Victorian roads in 2023-24 — far exceeding the yearly average of $493 million under the previous Coalition government.”
Ms Cleeland said that roads in regional Victoria were still in desperate need of attention and an inquiry would chart a way forward to improve road surface quality and lifespan.
“The road toll continues to rise, with far more deaths on our roads than previous years,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We should be doing what we can to help prevent this issue, and it starts with the quality and safety of our roads.
“We know safer roads save lives, but instead of allowing the facts to be examined, Labor chose to shut down debate and block the establishment of an inquiry into Victorian roads.”