General News
29 April, 2026
State government announces road blitz
ROADS across the district are set to see works to remove potholes following the State Government’s announcement of $1.04 million of funding in the 2026/2027 Budget.
The announcement highlights 70 per cent of the overall funding will be directed into regional Victoria, including the south west region.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the funding was enough to remove 200,000 potholes, 200,000 graffiti tags and more.
“This is the biggest roads blitz in the state’s history, and most of that money is going to regional Victoria,” she said.
“We’re delivering better, safer roads.”
The investment will rebuild, repair and resurface arterial roads, maintain bridges and traffic lights, deliver emergency roadworks, mow, slash and spray grass and weeds along roadsides and repair or replace signs.
Crews remain on the network now as part of last year’s investment in road maintenance, having repaired 187,000 potholes, mowed 1,900,000 metres, repaired or replaced 31,000 signs and inspected 13,600 barriers.
The Victorian Government has invested nearly $3 billion over the past three years – the largest sustained investment in road maintenance in Victoria’s history.
Minister for Road and Road Safety Ros Spence said the government has averaged $993 million in yearly funding towards maintaining roads.
“We’re rebuilding and repairing the roads that Victorians depend on every day,” she said.
“Victorians are already seeing the results with 187,000 potholes removed this year – now we’re doubling down.”
Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) chair councillor Rob Amos said the funding was a welcome addition for Victorian roads.
“While many billions will be required in additional funding over the coming years, this boost is both a timely recognition of the challenge and a good first step,” he said.
“Rural Councils Victoria is hopeful of additional roads funding announcements in next week’s Victorian budget and in the leadup to November’s election.
“Ahead of the state election, RCV is calling on all parties to commit to a net increase to roads maintenance funding of $500 million per year for four years.
“That’s an extra $2 billion over the life of the next Parliament.
“This additional funding should be directed into repairing state owned roads, upgrading freight corridors and addressing known bottlenecks across the network.”