Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Rural and regional roads

Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (09:46): I rise today to raise the condition of regional Victoria’s roads yet again. Our roads are not safe, and they are a legacy of the 18 of the past 23 years in which Labor has governed Victoria. When you leave metropolitan Melbourne it becomes very clear very quickly where Labor’s priorities are. Potholes the size of small vehicles and corrugations and ridges are all part of the daily experience for regional Victorians. Countless members of the South-West Coast community have shown me photos of their blown tires and damaged rims. They have recounted their near misses and how they take lengthy alternatives to try and avoid the worst roads. It should not be like this.

Regional Victorian roads are dangerous. I encourage members to drive along the Woolsthorpe-Heywood Road as an example of how Labor does not govern for all Victorians. This road is just one example of a road no longer fit for purpose. I again invite the Premier to join me for a drive around South-West Coast to experience our roads firsthand. I have no doubt he will be shocked.

In October 2022 a $165 million emergency road repair blitz was announced to find and fix potholes to get Victorians in flood-affected areas back on the road. This announcement served the purpose of making the government look like they were taking action. But as we see over and over again, the potholes are not fixed and the gravel put in the holes is gone – more waste by this government, which is the king of waste and king of spin. Victorians deserve better roads. Victorians deserve safe roads.