Regional roads will get their fair share again under a Nationals and Liberal commitment to restore the $288 million Country Roads and Bridges Program.
The program will deliver vital funding to repair, upgrade and maintain regional roads and bridges, helping councils deliver the infrastructure their communities rely on.
Each of Victoria’s 48 rural and regional councils will secure $1.5 million annually over four years in untied funding for local roads and bridges, supporting critical upgrades and helping shield ratepayers from further cost-of-living pressures.
It comes in addition to a $5 billion investment to repair and rebuild Victoria’s roads, eliminate one million potholes, and reinstate a planned system of preventative road maintenance.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, said the funding would make a real difference for Gippslanders who have endured some of the worst roads in the state.
“Labor axed this important roads program in 2015.
“Restoring the Country Roads and Bridges Program will give councils the funding certainty they need to plan and deliver critical local infrastructure projects.”
The program allows local governments to determine their highest-priority road and bridge projects, rather than forcing them to compete for limited state government grants.
Ms Bath said regional Victorians were fed up with the deteriorating condition of local roads.
“Labor’s approach to road funding in regional Victoria has always been focused on short-term perception management, not long-term solutions.
“Gippsland motorists deserve safe, reliable and fit-for-purpose roads, and The Nationals are committed to ensuring regional Victorians receive their fair share.
“Our communities have had enough of navigating neglected and crumbling roads and The Nationals will make it a priority to restore regional roads to an acceptable standard so motorists can travel with confidence.”
