The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has questioned the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ros Spence, if the Victorian Government can provide a timeframe for roadwork repairs across the Shepparton District electorate.
In questioning the Minister in Parliament, Ms O’Keeffe described that potholes across the electorate are in the worst and most dangerous, appalling condition in the state.
“Currently the response we have from the Minister and government in addressing these potholes on the Goulburn Valley Highway and Hume Freeway for example, are flashing warning signs advising potholes for the next 20 kilometres in two sections.
“Hundreds of drivers have hit these dangerous potholes which in effect their cars are unable to continue to drive their vehicles,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe shared with the Minister for Roads and Road Safety a story of a constituent that contacted her and spoke about their experience of hitting a pothole on a “dangerous” bend on the Goulburn Valley Highway near Arcadia.
“This young woman was stranded in the dark and rain for close to four hours, fearing that a truck or passing vehicle would collide with her.
“Her tyre was completely shredded, and the alloy wheel was badly damaged and leaving her with costs of over $2,000. This is just one of many alarming incidents that is impacting on drivers every single day and putting lives at risk.
“Victorians are paying the price for this government’s incompetence when it comes to managing our roads. Labor has slashed targets for regional road resurfacing and rehabilitation by more than 75 per cent since 2021.
“When you have a 75 per cent reduction in road maintenance, it is no wonder that our roads are falling apart and this is simply unacceptable.
“This is a matter of safety,and only the Nationals and Liberals will drastically improve road safety and construction standards through a new commitment of $5 billion over four years to fix one million potholes.
“Regional Victorians deserve it fair share and this includes roads that are roadworthy to drive on and only the Nationals are committed to delivering that for Victorians.”
Photo Caption #1: Flashing warning sign on the Hume Freeway advising road users of potholes ahead.
Photo Caption #2: The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, pictured standing in front of a pothole on the Murchinson-Tatura Road.
