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Latrobe City invests in safer roads and paths with strategic upgrades across sealed, unsealed and shared networks

Latrobe City Council is investing in safer, well-maintained roads, footpaths, bridges, and drainage, with over $5.7 million allocated in 2024 - 25 to improve essential transport infrastructure across the municipality.

By news@gippsland - 6th June 2025 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is continuing its commitment to maintaining and improving essential transport infrastructure, with significant investment allocated across sealed and unsealed roads, bridges, footpaths and kerbs throughout the municipality.

In 2024 - 25, Latrobe City Council will invest over $5.7 million to maintain roads, drainage, footpaths, and bridges

Sealed roads commitment

In 2024 - 25, council budgeted approximately $3 million towards the maintenance of its 1,031 kilometre sealed road network, ensuring the safety and connectivity of our communities. The ongoing maintenance program has helped contribute to a reduction in sealed local road requests, with the quality of Latrobe's sealed road network remaining well above industry standards - 98.45% of the network is currently rated above the required condition threshold.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Dale Harriman said, "Our focus on timely and proactive maintenance is paying off. The condition of our roads reflects a well-managed network that continues to meet community expectations," said Cr Harriman.

Asset maintenance funding

Council also maintains around 501 kilometres of unsealed roads, with an additional $750,000 allocated for grading and routine inspections, and $900,000 invested in re-sheeting (renewal works) to ensure long-term usability and safety across these unsealed surface routes. Maintenance of roads infrastructure is underpinned by maintenance of council's stormwater drainage network, with council investing $940,000 towards drainage maintenance this FY.

Maintenance of roads and drains extends further, with 153 bridges and major culverts inspected and maintained as required. Council has also allocated $120,000 to support the upkeep of approximately 700 kilometres of footpaths and kerbs across the municipality.

Road maintenance strategy

All works are prioritised based on urgency and assessed condition, with proactive inspections and customer feedback playing a key role in scheduling. "Council takes a strategic approach to asset management, ensuring our infrastructure is safe, accessible and fit-for-purpose for all road users," said the Mayor.

Latrobe City Council continues to outperform many similar sized councils in road maintenance and works closely with the Department of Transport who maintain major arterial roads, including highways and freeways.

"We understand that there are often instances where the community is unsure as to who maintains roads, whether they be maintained by council or the Department of Transport. To support community understanding we have developed an interactive tool, available on our website, which enables communities to type in the road or street and the ownership of that road will be provided," said the Mayor.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com