The Allan Labor Government is once again trumpeting a so-called “Better Roads Blitz”, but after years of the same recycled announcements Victorians know it’s all spin and no substance.
Anyone who drives on our regional roads can see they are worse than ever.
For years, Labor has tried to mask its neglect with the same tired headlines.
A glance at their own past media releases tells the story:
- 14 October 2024 – Road Maintenance Blitz Revs Up Across Regional Victoria
- 11 October 2023 – Road Maintenance Blitz Kicks Off Across Regional Victoria
- 7 September 2022 – Road Maintenance Blitz Rolls Out Across Regional Victoria
- 21 May 2021 – Road Maintenance Season Goes Above And Beyond
- 8 September 2020 – Massive Road Maintenance Blitz Complete
- 1 October 2019 – Massive Maintenance Blitz For Victorian Roads
Every year, the same words. Every year, the same promises. And every year, regional Victorians in particular are left dodging potholes and driving on roads that look more like goat tracks.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Danny O’Brien, said this endless spin is covering up years of neglect.
“One has to wonder with all these years of ‘massive maintenance blitzes’ why our roads are still in such poor shape?
“Labor keeps throwing out big numbers, but the reality is our roads are crumbling,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The independent Parliamentary Budget Office has found Victoria is spending $1500 per kilometre less than the national average on road maintenance and it shows.”
“Labor says 70 per cent of its spend goes to regional roads – that’s because 70 per cent of the state’s roads are in the regions!
“But the reality is our regional, suburban and city roads are in a parlous state due to Labor’s neglect.
“The Nationals and Liberals will keep fighting for safer roads because communities deserve better than recycled press releases and broken promises.
“Labor can’t manage roads and Victorians are paying the price.”
