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Melina Bath says Labor ignores known issues, worsening bushfire risk, blocking access and harming communities

A Gippsland Forestry Hub report criticises Allan government transport infrastructure failures, warning poor road and bridge conditions undermine bushfire preparedness, restrict access, delay firefighting response and increase risks to communities.

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

A new Gippsland Forestry Hub report exposes the Allan government’s ongoing failure to maintain the region's transport infrastructure, directly undermining forest fuel reduction and bushfire preparedness. The report states key roads and bridges are not fit for purpose with imposed load limits and transport route restrictions on the deteriorating network, highlighting missed opportunities to shift freight to rail, reduce truck movements and improve road safety.

Melina Bath raises concerns on neglected regional roads disadvantage motorists, warning funding imbalance risks safety, environment, and bushfire preparedness statewide

Maintenance failures exposed

The Nationals’ Melina Bath who is also Shadow Minister for Public Land Management said Labor is aware of the problem, but it’s refusing to act which is leaving communities exposed to a heightened bushfire risk. "Blocked access hurts jobs, stymies forest fuel reduction work, delays firefighting response and puts lives at risk."

"Poor maintenance and restrictive access rules on state managed roads is pushing trucks onto unsuitable local roads. The Allan government is failing to perform basic maintenance required for the movement of firefighting crews and equipment and support bushfire preparedness. You cannot protect the environment and people if machinery and fire trucks cannot access the fire ground in an emergency," said Ms Bath.

Infrastructure funding gap

The report highlights the need for state government investment in key infrastructure projects including the Traralgon Bypass and Sale Alternate Truck Route and the removal of 80km per hour speed restrictions on the Princes Freeway.

Ms Bath said the Allan government’s prolonged neglect of regional road infrastructure disadvantages motorists and puts communities and our environment at risk. "Rural and regional Victoria are 25 percent of the population but receive only 13 percent of the state’s infrastructure spending.

"Well maintained roads, bridges and keeping access open matters. Victorians deserve safe roads, effective fuel hazard management and a state government that plans and acts before disaster strikes - not after," 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 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.