Dear Editor,
The Andrews Labor Government is touting $165 million in funding for Victoria’s flood-damaged roads, yet it is currently leaving regional councils to foot the bill for damaged local roads.
Councils are responsible for tens of thousands of kilometres of roads that are vital to businesses and communities, which were already in a state of disrepair before last year’s major flooding.
Labor short-changed regional communities, cutting the road maintenance budget by 10 per cent when it came into government, and then axing the Country Roads and Bridges Program.
It then cut a further $215 million over the past two budgets.
Now, Victorians are seeing the results of chronic under-investment firsthand.
Regional Victorians continue to do battle with patchwork roads, reduced speed limits and reduced load limits on bridges, watching on as Daniel Andrews continues to pour more money into over-budget city projects.
This underinvestment is beginning to have tragic consequences.
Late last year a motorcyclist in northern Victoria lost her life after she hit a pothole that flipped her bike.
Our roads need repairs now, not in six months’ time, and not after it costs more Victorians their lives.
Safer country roads save lives.
Peter Walsh,
Leader of The Nationals
Shadow Minister for Local Government
