General News
2 August, 2023
MP concerned with road deterioration
LOWAN MP Emma Kealy has issued a warning to drivers that recent wet weather has seen roads across the region falling apart at the seams, with “more potholes than ever before”.
LOWAN MP Emma Kealy has issued a warning to drivers that recent wet weather has seen roads across the region falling apart at the seams, with “more potholes than ever before”.
Highways have remained unrepaired for months at a time, according to Ms Kealy, leaving them in dangerous conditions while Victoria’s annual road maintenance budget has continued to be cut.
“Under the Andrews Labor Government, we have seen the annual roads maintenance budget slashed by $380 million or 45 per cent since 2020,” she said.
“The condition of our roads has become increasingly dire, with many sections littered with potholes and permanent speed reductions in place in some areas because the surface is so dangerous.
“We have seen the road death toll across Victoria skyrocket this year and we need to remember that this is not just a statistic, but real people like you and me being directly impacted by the sudden loss of a loved family member or friend.”
Ms Kealy, who is the Deputy Leader of the Nationals, said she would continue to push for increased funding for regional roads.
“I am totally committed to continuing my push for more funding for our regional roads and I encourage locals to write to the Treasurer and Roads Minister to remind them of the importance of good quality roads in our regions,” she said.
“What we are seeing under the Federal and State Labor governments is an alarming trend of funding cuts on critical regional roads infrastructure, with Victorian’s being punished for the Andrews Labor Governments financial incompetence.”