Fixing Victoria’s roads somotorists are not left paying the price

26 August 2026

Fixing Victoria’s roads somotorists are not left paying the price

New figures have revealed 98 per cent of potential compensation claims weredenied by the Labor Government over the past two years, highlighting thedesperate need to build better roads in Victoria, according to Nationals Memberfor Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.

Just 23 claims were successful ofmore than 1,800 drivers who applied to Transport for Victoria's compensationscheme after pothole damage on state-managed roads.

Under the scheme, claimants musthave losses exceeding $1,681, with that threshold then deducted from thepayout, meaning damage under that amount is not covered at all.

The Liberals and Nationals havecommitted $5 billion to rebuild and repair Victoria's roads, alongside theestablishment of Better Roads Victoria, which Ms Cleeland said was anindependent body dedicated to planning, prioritising and delivering road upgradesbased on community need, not political convenience.

"The Nationals will stop thewaste, end the corruption, and ensure regional Victoria have safe roads todrive on," Ms Cleeland said.

"Victorians are payingregistration, taxes and insurance, yet still hitting potholes that damagetyres, wheels and suspensions.

“The real answer isn't more claimsor more paperwork - it's roads that don't damage vehicles in the firstplace."

Ms Cleeland said regionalcommunities, who make up around a quarter of the state's population, have beenleft behind for too long, and would be protected under a future Liberals andNationals Government through the Fair Share Guarantee.

"For too long, road fundinghas been reactive, patching potholes after damage has already occurred ratherthan investing in long-term solutions," Ms Cleeland said.

"The Fair Share Guaranteewill ensure regional Victoria gets its fair share of infrastructure funding,while Better Roads Victoria will deliver the strategic investment needed to fixour roads for the long term.

"Families, farmers, freightoperators and businesses rely on safe roads every day.

“Regional Victorians deserveinfrastructure that matches the contribution they make to our state, and theLiberals and Nationals have a clear plan to deliver it."