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The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network

The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.

By news@gippsland - 14th August 2026 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien says The Nationals' $5 billion better roads plan will restore Gippsland's neglected road network and deliver the long-term maintenance our roads desperately need. Speaking in Parliament recently, Mr O'Brien, who is also the Shadow Minister for Roads, highlighted that the poor condition of local roads remains one of the biggest issues raised by Gippslanders.

Danny O'Brien said Princes Highway pothole incidents highlight years of neglected maintenance, warning patch-up repairs cannot deliver safe, reliable roads for Gippslanders

Road repair plan

Mr O'Brien said, "Our $5 billion plan will eliminate one million potholes across Victoria while restoring the preventative maintenance program that's been abandoned over the past decade. That means getting back to properly resealing roads, repairing road shoulders, grading roadsides and clearing drains before roads fail. We will also establish Better Roads Victoria to ensure roads are built and maintained to the right engineering standards."

Mr O'Brien said recent scenes on the Princes Highway, where motorists were left stranded after hitting potholes, highlighted the consequences of years of neglected road maintenance. "You cannot neglect roads year after year and expect them to remain safe and reliable. Gippslanders have seen firsthand what happens when governments rely on patch-up jobs instead of proper preventative maintenance."

Fix Gippsland roads

Mr O'Brien said he had spent years raising concerns over the deteriorating condition of Gippsland's roads with consecutive Labor governments, warning that a lack of preventative maintenance would inevitably lead to more potholes and higher repair costs.

"Wherever I go across Gippsland, people tell me the same thing – our roads are in an appalling state. It's not just potholes. It's cracked road surfaces, broken shoulders, patch upon patch and roads that simply aren't being properly maintained. After more than a decade of declining investment in preventative maintenance, the condition of our roads is terrible," Mr O'Brien said.

Mr O'Brien said Gippsland communities deserve safe and reliable roads that are maintained before they reach the point of failure. "The Nationals have listened to regional Victorians and developed a practical plan that focuses on fixing roads properly, not simply patching them after they fall apart. When The Nationals are elected in November, we'll get back to doing the basics and deliver the safe, reliable roads Gippsland communities deserve."

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Instagram page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
  A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• New drinking fountains improve free water access across Sale's popular recreation facilities
  Sale's major recreation facilities now offer improved free drinking water access, with new fountains at Aqua Energy, Port of Sale and Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, supporting hydration and reusable bottle use.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.