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RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety

RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment.

By news@gippsland - 29th September 2026 - Back to News

Gippsland roads continue to be identified among Victoria’s most concerning, with RACV’s 2026 My Country Road survey highlighting serious safety issues on two key local highways. The Strzelecki Highway between Leongatha and Mirboo North was ranked the most concerning road in Eastern Victoria, while the Princes Highway between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance and the South Gippsland Highway between Loch and Leongatha ranked second and third respectively.

Strzelecki Highway ranked Eastern Victoria’s most concerning road, while Princes and South Gippsland highways placed second and third respectively

Highway safety concerns

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Danny O’Brien said the findings confirmed what Gippslanders had been saying for years. "Gippslanders are fed up with potholes, crumbling road surfaces and dangerous road shoulders. The Strzelecki and South Gippsland Highways are vital routes for local families, farmers, freight operators and visitors, yet they have been allowed to deteriorate under Labor," Mr O’Brien said.

The survey identified road surface conditions, narrow shoulders, limited overtaking opportunities, unsafe intersections, roadside vegetation and inadequate signage and line-marking among the concerns on the two local highways. Across Victoria, 71 per cent of respondents identified potholes and poor road surfaces as their main concern, up from 64 per cent in 2024. Almost three-quarters said road resurfacing should be the priority improvement.

Road repair commitment

Mr O’Brien said, "Gippslanders don’t want more temporary speed reductions and patch-up jobs. They want roads properly repaired and maintained. The Nationals have committed $5 billion to repair and rebuild our roads, eliminate one million potholes and restore proper preventative maintenance."

"We will also reinstate the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing South Gippsland, Wellington and Latrobe councils with $1.5 million each year for four years to address local road and bridge priorities. Labor has neglected regional roads for far too long. The Nationals have listened and will deliver the safe, reliable roads Gippslanders deserve," Mr O’Brien said.

Pictures from Google Maps.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Wellington Shire Council 2026 hard waste collection returns this spring for convenient household clean-up and recycling
  Wellington Shire Council’s annual hard waste collection returns from September 28 to October 30, offering residents convenient disposal of unwanted household items, including e-waste, while supporting recycling and reducing illegal dumping.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.