General News
19 June, 2026
Road issues raise community concerns
CONCERNS have been raised around the condition of roads in the region following the discovery of a new issue in Foxhow and an ongoing issue in Camperdown.
A large dip has formed on Foxhow Road past the intersection to Leslie Manor Road heading towards Foxhow, with the left lane closed due to the condition of the road.
Resident Leigh Harry said the affected section of road had been reduced to 40 kilometres an hour for a number of months.
“As a local that knew of it, I knew I definitely couldn’t ignore the speed restrictions because if I hit that at a high speed, I could potentially get my car thrown off the road or into the path of someone else,” he said.
“It’s good they’ve finally recognised it.
“They’ve put lights down there to stop traffic and make it one lane.
“It’s potentially very dangerous – it’s a wonder there hasn’t been an accident of any kind there.”
In addition, Camperdown’s Manifold Street has seen deterioration from the front of Apex Park down to the BP service station where many potholes have formed.
“The rain that hit has opened up a lot of small potholes around,” Mr Harry said.
“The stretch on Manifold Street down near the BP and the Cascade Motel has had potholes for months.
“That’s a disgrace being a main road in the middle of town.”
Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan said he had been contacted by a stockfeed company in recent weeks, with some repairs made but more needed.
“All people across south west Victoria are in furious agreement we’ve got the worst roads in the state,” he said.
“I’ve come back from Echuca, and it’s noticeable how much worse our roads are.
“Our edges are gone, the potholes are chronic, and many of our main state roads don’t have enough shoulder to properly have the white line, which calls into question their ability to work with smart cars which detect the line for safety.”
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Corangamite Shire Council mayor Cr Kate Makin said council was well aware of resident’s frustrations over the condition of roads in the shire, with many reported issues on state-owned roads.
“We’ve all heard the stories of damaged tyres and wheel rims from hitting potholes and broken windscreens from disintegrating surfaces,” she said.
“Reduced speed limits mean longer travel times, increased costs and driver fatigue for emergency services, businesses and the community.
“Council is continuing to have meetings with ministers and departmental advisors to understand better how they are spending the roads budget and what portion of that is committed to the south west.
“At every opportunity we reinforce the message that the safety and usability of these roads is vital for freight transport, milk tankers and tourism, which are massive contributors to the State economy, not just Corangamite.
“Last year council budgeted $7.5 million for work on our 900 kilometres of sealed roads and 1200 kilometres of gravel roads and we are proud that almost all of our roads are routinely found to be in good condition.”
Cr Makin said the state government owns and manages 600 kilometres of arterial roads within the shire.
“Everyone needs to drive to the conditions and report any hazards to either VicRoads if a state road or to council if a council road,” she said.
“If you don’t know who to report it to, check out the map on council’s website at corangamite.vic.gov.au/whoseroad.”
Western District Newspapers approached the Department of Transport and Planning with questions relating to the condition of Foxhow Road and Manifold Street and whether works were planned.
A department spokesperson did not address the section of Manifold Street, but said the road was inspected weekly.
“We regularly inspect our road network to monitor the effectiveness of having reduced speed limits and additional warning signage in place,” the spokesperson said.
“We are currently planning works along Foxhow Road and will continue to keep the community informed as things progress.
“We’re investing a record $1.04 billion to rebuild, repair and resurface roads across Victoria – with 70 per cent of the funds going to regional Victoria.”
Read More: Camperdown, local