Regional roads reach crisis point under Labor

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP has raised alarm after new data showed Victoria is falling well short on road renewals needed to keep regional communities safe, as the state road toll continues to climb.

Victoria has failed to meet the Department of Transport’s target to renew eight to 10 per cent of the regional road network each year to prevent dangerous deterioration. Instead, since 2023 the Allan Labor Government has averaged just one per cent, with its 2026 target still only 1.5 per cent.

“This is a road safety crisis of Labor’s making,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Our roads are crumbling because the Allan Labor Government has walked away from even the most basic maintenance expectations.”

In 2020–21 Victoria renewed 8.1 per cent of the regional network, right on target. By 2023–24 that figure had collapsed to just 0.2 per cent. The shortfall has created a 25 per cent maintenance deficit, leaving one quarter of the network under-maintained.

Ms Cleeland said the deteriorating condition of roads was reflected in the state’s rising road toll, with 261 lives lost on Victorian roads compared to 195 in 2020.

“Every life lost is one too many. For any responsible government, our road fatality figures alone should be enough to shift priorities,” she said.

Despite Labor claiming “record funding,” the department has refused to explain why maintenance results have fallen to historic lows.

“Record spending should mean safer roads but instead, regional drivers are hitting potholes, blowing tyres, and paying for Labor’s neglect,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Our freight, tourism and local families rely on these roads every single day. We cannot afford another year of under-investment.”

Ms Cleeland urged the Allan Labor Government to restore proper maintenance levels and provide transparent answers.

“Regional Victorians deserve safe roads, not excuses. It’s time for the Government to admit the problem and fix it,” Ms Cleeland said.