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Country Roads And Bridges Miss Out In BudgetCountry Victorians have been left out of the State Budget, with no funding for local country roads and bridge infrastructure. By Phillip Davis - 31st May 2006 - Back to News Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said yesterday’s budget was disappointing for country Victorians, who are tired of playing second fiddle to metropolitan Melbourne.
Mr Davis said the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Farmers Federation had highlighted the need for funding for country road and bridge infrastructure in pre-budget submissions to the Labor Government.
"The Labor Government has a responsibility to look after country roads and bridges, but has shown sheer arrogance in ignoring country Victorians, the MAV and VFF," Mr Davis said.
"Country councils across Victoria are struggling with this infrastructure, while the Labor Government ignores this plight and redirects much-needed funds for its own advertising campaigns and other wasteful endeavors.
Mr Davis said a Liberal Government on the other hand would inject an extra $127 million into country roads and bridges.
"A Liberal Government will match the current level of funding provided by the Commonwealth through the Roads to Recovery (R2R) program, beginning from 1 January 2008," Mr Davis said.
"The significant difference between the Liberal Party’s funding plan and R2R, is that a Liberal Government would not require a matching funding contribution from the councils.
"A total of $127 million will be allocated to country roads and bridges, plus $29 million for metropolitan councils."
Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would also hand control back to country Victorians, allowing councils to nominate what local road and bridge projects take precedence for funding.
"Country people who are driving on these roads and across dilapidated bridges every day know better than anyone else what needs to be done," he said.
A Liberal Government will not ignore the needs of country Victoria.
"A Liberal Government will work with country councils to improve infrastructure in their communities," Mr Davis said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking community feedback on Coghlan Road safety upgrades in Cowes, including speed reductions, improved line markings and reflective treatments, funded through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program. - Have your say on the East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy development, send feedback by 29 May 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council has begun developing an Aquatic Strategy to guide future investment, facilities, and services, with community consultation and stakeholder input underway. - Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026. - Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s road funding, citing Gippsland highways’ ongoing underinvestment and worsening pothole backlog
Danny O’Brien says Labor’s $1.04 billion roads blitz exposes a large pothole backlog, highlighting years of underinvestment and ongoing deterioration of Gippsland’s regional road network. - East Gippsland unveils 12 key priorities ahead of 2026 Victorian election campaign for regional investment
East Gippsland Shire Council has outlined 12 advocacy priorities for the 2026 Victorian Election, seeking investment in roads, health, housing, emergency services and infrastructure to support the region's long-term growth and resilience. - World Drowning Prevention Day urges Victorians to unite for safer waters and reduce drowning deaths globally
Life Saving Victoria is marking World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25 with statewide events, urging communities to improve water safety and support the global goal of reducing drowning deaths by 35 per cent by 2035. - Danny O’Brien congratulates local football and netball clubs recognised through this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program
Gippsland South football and netball clubs have secured TAC Club Rewards funding, promoting safe driving and road safety awareness through community-led initiatives supported by AFL Victoria. - Martin Cameron confirms Labor’s promised Kosciuszko and Bank Street underpass, planned for 2023, will no longer proceed
Traralgon students remain at risk crossing train tracks and busy roads after Labor abandons promised pedestrian underpass, with Nationals’ MP Martin Cameron urging urgent delivery of a safe solution.
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