Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Danny O'Brien said Labor's claims were exposed as fiction while Victoria's roads deteriorateLabor's road repair claims unravel as budget reveals 93% cut to regional patching targets and declining resurfacing efforts, with Ministers dodging accountability and Victorians left to suffer deteriorating road conditions. By news@gippsland - 29th May 2025 - Back to News The Allan Labor government's claim it is repairing roads at record levels has again been exposed as a myth. State Budget detail reveals major "road patching" targets have been cut by 93 per cent in regional Victoria and 89 per cent in outer metropolitan Melbourne. 
'All Victorian motorists, regional and metro, are suffering from roads that are more like goat tracks because of Labor's neglect,' says Danny O'Brien Roads crumble furtherThe area of road resurfaced or rehabilitated is falling again too, with the target down 14 per cent in regional areas to just 2.7 million square metres. That is an alarming drop given the target was as high as 11.4 million square metres in 2021/22. These reductions come after budget papers show the government failed to even go close to meeting its own targets last year. Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, was grilled on both the patching and rehabilitation shortfalls in Parliament today, but dodged the questions, refusing to explain. Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Danny O'Brien, said Labor had been caught out spruiking fiction as Victoria's road network continues to crumble. Roads funding slashedMr O'Brien said, "When it comes to roads, the budget figures show it is always prudent to look at what Labor does, not what it says. Despite claiming it is spending record amounts on roads, Labor's own budget papers show a shocking 93 per cent reduction next year in patching works and a 14 per cent reduction in road resealing and rehabilitation," "Where is the money going? Or is it just fiction? Because whatever Labor claims to be spending, its own figures show it is not improving our roads - it's doing less. All Victorian motorists, regional and metro, are suffering from roads that are more like goat tracks because of Labor's neglect. Labor can't manage money and Victorians are paying the price," Mr O'Brien said. Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Danny O’Brien said poor dental health is tied to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and mental health impacts
Gippslanders now face almost two-year waits for public dental care, with Danny O’Brien blaming a decade of Labor for doubled delays, escalating health risks and under-resourced regional clinics. - Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to urgently fix South Gippsland Highway dangerous, deteriorating road conditions statewide
Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently repair the deteriorating South Gippsland Highway, citing potholes, failing patches, and community frustration across key stretches before the busy holiday period. - Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success. - Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government. - Danny O’Brien criticises ongoing social housing maintenance delays leaving vulnerable Gippslanders waiting far too long
Danny O’Brien warns ongoing delays in social housing maintenance leave vulnerable Gippslanders waiting months, highlighting a vacant Foster property and urging timely repairs and better decision-making to address shortages. - Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to obtain licences as new state licensing scheme is enforced from 1 February 2026
Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to comply with Victoria’s new licensing scheme, aiming to curb illegal sales, organised crime, and ensure consistent enforcement for safer regional communities. - Danny O'Brien celebrates Gippsland South schools receiving VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants to boost cooking and gardening education
Danny O'Brien has congratulated five Gippsland South primary schools awarded VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants, supporting hands-on cooking, gardening, and healthy eating education to build students' lifelong skills, and sustainability awareness. - Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland landholders to understand new property taxes and reporting obligations effective from 1 January 2026
Danny O’Brien urged Gippsland landholders to understand new property taxes and reporting obligations from 1 January 2026, warning compliance is essential to avoid penalties despite Nationals’ opposition. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes. - Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes. - Danny O’Brien delivers hundreds of donated nappies to Vinnies, supporting Gippsland families in need across the region
Danny O’Brien has donated hundreds of unused nappies to Vinnies, collected via The Nappy Collective, helping Gippsland families experiencing "nappy stress" and encouraging ongoing community support. - Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance. - Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season. - Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for decade-long failure to fund replacement CFA stations in Foster and Mirboo North
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for failing to replace outdated Foster and Mirboo North CFA stations, saying volunteers face unsafe conditions despite years of promises and growing community contributions. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment. - Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation. - Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Danny O’Brien calls for clarity on free children’s public transport amid Gippsland V/Line concerns
Danny O’Brien urges Labor to clarify free children’s public transport rollout, warning Gippsland families face confusion over youth myki requirements, online access, and unmanned V/Line stations from January 2026. - Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community. - Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis. - Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650M Delburn wind farm investment ignoring local community concerns
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650 million Delburn wind farm investment, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that ignores local community concerns about fire, noise, and visual impact. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to use free blind safety kits to prevent tragic child accidents
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges residents to order free Consumer Affairs Victoria blind safety kits, warning unsecured curtain cords are a hazard and simple fixes can prevent child deaths. - Danny O'Brien visits Gippsland schools honouring Anzac Legacy by planting 100 lone pines across Victoria
Gippsland schools joined the "100 Lone Pines Project," with Danny O’Brien delivering seedlings, connecting students to Gallipoli history and honoring the Anzac legacy through planting descendant pines across Victoria. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project. - Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures. - 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. - Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs. - Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities. - Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government. - Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season. - Danny O’Brien calls Labor’s free November travel scheme a stunt, with Gippsland commuters disrupted
Gippsland commuters faced 19 days of disruptions despite Labor’s free-travel November scheme, with ongoing delays, confusion, and bus replacements highlighting mismanaged rail projects and continued frustration for passengers. - Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region. - Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect. - Melina Bath said CFA volunteers face risks due to aging equipment and $55M funding shortfall since 2020
The CFA faces a $50 million deficit as volunteers fight fires with aging equipment, with funding lagging inflation despite Allan Labor’s claims, exposing ongoing crisis and growing pressure on brigades. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Walhalla Church Hill Road landslip repaired, fully reopened following 2022 storm recovery works completion
Repairs to the Church Hill Road landslip in Walhalla are complete, reopening the road with DRFA-funded realignment, drainage, safety barriers, and asphalt surfacing, ensuring safe travel for residents and tourists. - Latrobe City urges the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety urgent activation of Traralgon Bank Street and Princes Highway traffic lights
Latrobe City Council urges Victorian Ministers to urgently activate the Bank Street–Princes Highway traffic lights in Traralgon, addressing safety concerns after completed works remain non-operational since 2018. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026. - Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences. - Copelands Road $4.9M upgrade complete, enhancing traffic flow, safety, pedestrian access, and bicycle facilities
The $4.9 million Copelands Road upgrade is complete, featuring improved traffic flow, safety, Moe River bridge, drainage works, footpaths, and a shared bicycle path, delivered on time and within budget. - Baw Baw Shire Council adopts 2025 - 2029 Road Management Plan, updating registers for safe, sustainable, community-focused roads and footpaths
Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed the 2025-2029 Road Management Plan, updating public road and footpath registers, removing recreational Walhalla Road sections, and ensuring safe, sustainable local road management. - East Gippsland expands Whelans Group road maintenance contract, ensuring service continuity and local job retention across shire
East Gippsland Council has expanded Whelans Group’s road maintenance role, taking over areas previously managed by Cranes Asphalting, ensuring service continuity, high standards, and retention of local jobs across the shire. - Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Melina Bath condemns Labor government for recycled road funding spin and failure to deliver real investment
Melina Bath has accused the Allan government of recycling old road funding announcements, labelling them propaganda and demanding genuine investment to address the worsening condition of regional Victoria's neglected roads. - Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - Gippsland faces sobering family violence rates during 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Danny O’Brien warns
Gippsland records some of Victoria’s highest family violence rates, says Danny O’Brien, urging community action during the 16 Days of Activism to promote respect, safety, and awareness across the region. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions. - Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning. - Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support. - Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action. - Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity. - Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor government for neglecting regional PSOs while funding Melbourne stations
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor Government for neglecting regional PSOs, citing rising Gippsland crime and calling for equal safety protections and additional officers under Coalition plans. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities. - Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien. - Darren Chester accuses Victorian Labor of endangering Gippslanders by delaying Mallacoota-Genoa road upgrades
Federal Member Darren Chester warns Victorian Labor’s inaction on Mallacoota-Genoa Road, despite $10 million funding, endangers Gippslanders, leaving critical safety upgrades delayed and road conditions increasingly unsafe.
|
|