Council
6 November, 2025
Shire opposes state speed reduction
CORANGAMITE Shire Council will make a formal submission to the Federal Government opposing the proposed reduction of default speed limits outside built-up areas.
The Federal Government’s Office of Road Safety is undertaking consultation on proposed changes to default speed limits on roads without sign-posted limits.
Over the past decade about 65 per cent of road fatalities have been on outside major cities and the Government proposes lowering speed on sealed roads to 90km/h, 80km/h or even 70km/h, and unsealed roads to 80km/h or 70km/h.
“This will be absolutely devastating for regional communities,” mayor councillor Kate Makin said.
“The government is again treating country people like second class citizens to save a buck.
“The real problem isn’t speed – it’s the condition of the roads.
“Many state and commonwealth owned roads in our region are narrow, crumbling or unsafe.
“Increasing travel time will raise costs for farmers and businesses and potentially reduce tourism activity, sending businesses to the wall and hitting families.”
Cr Makin said there were concerns the longer travel times created from reduced speed limits could increase the risk of driver fatigue and cause more accidents.
“This could be catastrophic if heavy vehicles like B-double tankers or livestock or feed trucks are involved,” she said.
“For a dairy processor running 10 trucks daily, an extra 30 minutes per trip could cost several hundred thousand dollars annually.
“Multiply that across regional freight operators and the impact runs into millions of dollars, hitting farmers, suppliers and consumers.
“Slower response times for volunteer emergency services could literally make the difference between life and death.
“Longer travel times will particularly impact vulnerable groups who already face barriers to accessing health services and education.”
Cr Makin said council is calling for increased investment into rural road sealing, shoulders, safety barriers, intersections and resurfacing deteriorating pavements as opposed to the “heavy-handed insult” to the region.
Submissions can be made at www.infrastructure.gov.au and close at midnight on November 10.