A report by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) has confirmed what Gippslanders already know: our roads are among the worst in the state.
VAGO revealed 55.44 per cent of Gippsland’s state managed roads were rated poor or very poor, making them the second worst in regional Victoria, behind Loddon Mallee.
The Nationals’ Melina Bath said the findings were a damning indictment on Labor’s neglect of regional roads.
“The fact that more than half of Gippsland’s state managed roads are rated poor or very poor, sounds the alarm for every road user,” Ms Bath said.
“These roads have less than five years of useful life remaining and, under departmental standards, require rehabilitation within one to two years to avoid access restrictions.
“Gippslanders have spent years dodging potholes and enduring reduced speed limits because Labor shelved preventative road maintenance.”
The report found regional Victoria faces the greatest road maintenance challenge, with 82 per cent of the state’s road network located outside of Melbourne.
VAGO also concluded Labor’s funding was insufficient to maintain or improve road conditions, forcing authorities to prioritise pothole patching over preventative maintenance.
Ms Bath said road defects are appearing faster than they can be repaired and the maintenance backlog continues to grow.
“Instead of fixing roads before they fail, Labor relies on reactive repairs after deterioration has already occurred.
“Patching potholes is a short term fix – they need to be eliminated with a sustained preventative maintenance program to stop roads reaching crisis point.
“Regional Victorians deserve roads that are safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
“Every pothole, rough surface, blown tyre, damaged rim and reduced speed limit is a stark reminder that Labor short changed critical roads infrastructure.
“In contrast, The Nationals and Liberals have a comprehensive plan to fix our roads committing to a $5 billion road maintenance fund to deliver the long term upgrades regional motorists need.”
