News

Roads | January 29, 2024

Fix our roads!

The deplorable state of roads will be back on the agenda when State Parliament resumes in February.

Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said it was alarming to see the number of road warning and traffic hazard signs that had been erected on roadsides for extended periods without repairs being done.

“Putting up signs and lowering the speed limit is not the answer, our roads need urgent attention,” Ms Kealy said.

“Labor’s lack of action is forcing us to continue to drive on what is left of our roads, with patch-up jobs and circled holes an accident waiting to happen.”

Ms Kealy said the problem was not unique to western Victoria - anyone who has travelled around the state will notice a similar circumstance in other areas.

“The underlying problem is that the Allan Labor Government has cut roads funding by 40 per cent over the past two years and the result is obvious – a continued deterioration of our already unsafe roads.

“These funding cuts are directly because of the governments massive cost blowouts on city projects, leaving regional Victoria to pay the price once again for Labor’s inability to manage money and major projects.

“The only way to rectify this alarming situation is a massive increase in roads funding in this year’s May Budget, however with the State facing a $175 billion debt due to Labor’s financial mismanagement, it is unlikely that the investment required will be forthcoming.

“Jacinta Allan can’t manage money, can’t manage projects and can’t fix Victoria’s roads.”