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Regional Cities Victoria's long-running campaign for greater investment in Victoria's regional and rural roads has received significant recognition, with the Victorian Coalition today committing $5 billion over four years to road maintenance as part of its election platform.
For years, RCV has argued that Victoria's road network has continued to deteriorate despite record maintenance spending, consistently calling for governments to move beyond short-term repairs and commit to the long-term investment needed to rebuild the state's roads.
RCV Chair Cr Ben Blain said today's announcement demonstrated that the condition of Victoria’s rural and regional roads had become one of the defining issues of the state election.
“For years we've been warning that our roads are going backwards despite record maintenance spending,” Cr Blain said.
“We've repeatedly said the current approach is like putting a band-aid over a bullet hole. You simply cannot patch your way out of decades of underinvestment.
“Today's commitment is a significant acknowledgement of the case regional communities have been making for years.”
Cr Blain said safe and reliable roads underpinned every aspect of regional Victoria, from freight and agriculture to tourism, emergency services and everyday travel.
“Victorians are expected to drive roadworthy cars. The least government can do is provide car-worthy roads.”
RCV has consistently advocated that investment in roads should focus on rebuilding the network, not simply maintaining its decline, arguing that deteriorating roads are increasing costs for families, businesses and local government while undermining regional productivity and safety.
“RCV welcomes the fact that road investment has become a major election issue,” Cr Blain said.
“RCV has made road investment one of its signature advocacy priorities through election campaigns, ministerial meetings, regional roundtables and joint advocacy with industry and local government partners.
“We look forward to hearing how all parties intend to restore Victoria's roads and deliver the long-term investment regional communities deserve.”