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Melina Bath slams Allan government over recurring M1 potholes following heavy rain in West Gippsland

Melina Bath criticised the Allan government's road maintenance after heavy rain reopened potholes on the M1, calling for lasting repairs instead of repeated temporary patch-up works.

By news@gippsland - 8th July 2026 - Back to News

Motorists travelling on the M1 between Nar Nar Goon and Warragul are again experiencing deteriorating road conditions after 35.8 millimetres of rain was recorded at the West Gippsland weather station during the start of July.

Melina Bath criticised repeated temporary M1 pothole repairs, saying the works highlight poor road maintenance standards and ongoing neglect of regional roads

Pothole pantomime continues

The Nationals’ Melina Bath called out the Allan Labor government’s road maintenance program labelling it a "pothole pantomime" after sections of the M1 in West Gippsland and Cardinia are again riddled with potholes after recent heavy rain. "The Princes Freeway is a recurring pothole hotspot and motorists are fed up with the road continually failing in these same locations. The recurring potholes expose Labor’s woeful road maintenance standards and ongoing neglect of our regional roads."

"On Sunday, road crews were out again commencing cheap patch-up repairs that won’t last. Two workers with a truckload of ready mix material were shovelling fill into the numerous potholes on the M1, before stomping it down with their work boots to compact and level the surface. It defies belief that this is the Allan government’s idea of best practice maintenance on one of Victoria’s busiest highways," said Ms Bath.

Road repairs criticised

Ms Bath said regional Victorians were beyond frustrated by Labor’s cycle of temporary repairs instead of genuine long term road rehabilitation. "Labor’s road maintenance program is focused on perception management rather than lasting solutions. Drivers watch the same potholes patched, reopened and only to be cheaply patched again. We know through RACV research, 64 per cent of regional Victorians identified potholes and poor road conditions as their number one road safety issue."

"Yet the Allan government persists with flimsy band aid fixes to generate headlines and inflate its pothole repair statistics, rather than delivering a safe and reliable regional road network. Labor’s reliance on ineffective, short term patch jobs are failing Gippsland motorists who deserve safe, reliable and fit for purpose roads," said Ms Bath.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• 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.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• 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.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.