The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe has called on the newly appointed Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Paul Hamer to address the “appalling” standard of road repairs that are being completed across the Goulburn Valley region.
In questioning the Minister in Parliament this week, Ms O’Keeffe emphasised that her office has been working hard with the community to report dangerous and damaged road surfaces.
“One of those areas is the busy Tatura-Murchinson Road which is one of the worst damaged stretches of road I have seen.
“After months of waiting and constant reporting, when the works were finally addressed, they only did half of the area with a patched up and appalling temporary job.
“This is something that we are constantly seeing and the community quite frankly have had enough and they are angry. They expect their taxes to go towards fixing our roads and proper repairs when works are undertaken,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe urged that the Minister has a responsibility in keeping Victorian roads safe and to ensure that works are done to an acceptable standard.
“We should not be seeing roads falling apart again just days or even weeks after repairs, and this is not acceptable.”
“Our roads are in the worst condition that I have ever seen before and like many I am astounded by the high level of potholes and crumbling unsafe roads we are experiencing due to the lack of investment and maintenance by Labor over many years.
“Every day people are hitting potholes, damaging their cars and having to pay for costly repairs due to no fault of their own. Road safety and fixing our roads, and to a standard should be a priority.
“Only the Nationals and Liberals have a plan in fixing our roads, they will be fixed once and fixed properly.
“Contractors will be held accountable for the quality of their work and speed limits will be restored once works are completed.
“Regional Victoria deserves its fair share and this includes roads that are actually roadworthy to drive on.”
Photo Caption: The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe pictured in front of a pothole on the Tatura-Murchison Road
