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Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) convened a regional roads roundtable in Geelong this week bringing together key stakeholders from across Victoria’s transport, tourism, agriculture, freight and local government sectors.
The purpose of the roundtable was to outline RCV’s advocacy for a $2 billion regional roads package ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election, and to facilitate a shared discussion on the condition, safety and economic importance of the regional road network.
Participants included representatives from the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, Rural Councils Victoria, Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, National Transport Research Organisation, Victorian Transport Association, Victorian Farmers Federation and Mayors and CEOs from Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities.
RCV chair and Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said the condition of regional roads presented productivity and safety issues.
"Potholes and declining asset condition are putting lives at risk and impacting the economic drivers that underpin freight, agriculture and tourism," Cr Blain said.
"This is also about regional people and connection – families, communities and local sport. For many regional Victorians, safe access to everyday life depends entirely on the roads they travel.
"Right now, too many regional Victorians can’t rely on the roads they need to get to work, school or sport safely.
"We heard loud and clear from industry, and our communities every other day, that the condition of our roads are dangerous and holding regional Victoria back.
"A $2 billion regional roads package over four years is an essential down payment on safety and connectivity for economic growth.
"This is not just a regional issue – it’s a statewide economic imperative. Investing in regional roads means stronger supply chains, safer commutes and a more productive Victoria.
"This roundtable showed there is strong alignment across sectors. We are united in calling for the investment needed to restore confidence in our regional road network.”