Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP
Andrews Labor government touts $165M funding for road maintenance but still leaves regional Victorians with band aids
The Andrews Labor government is touting $165 million in funding for Victoria's flood-damaged roads, yet it is currently leaving regional councils to foot the bill for damaged local roads.
Councils are responsible for tens of thousands of kilometres of roads that are vital to businesses and communities, which were already in a state of disrepair before last year's major flooding. Labor short-changed regional communities, cutting the road maintenance budget by 10 per cent when it came into government, and then axing the Country Roads and Bridges Program. It then cut a further $215 million over the past two budgets.
Regional VIctorian roads are becoming potholes, like tank traps on a road network that is decaying in front of the regional Victorians eyes, just like Echuca-Serpentine Road
Under-investment on regional roads
Now, Victorians are seeing the results of chronic under-investment firsthand. Regional Victorians continue to do battle with patchwork roads, reduced speed limits and reduced load limits on bridges, watching on as Daniel Andrews continues to pour more money into over-budget city projects.
This under-investment is beginning to have tragic consequences. Late last year a motorcyclist in northern Victoria lost her life after she hit a pothole that flipped her bike. Our roads need repairs now, not in six months' time, and not after it costs more Victorians their lives. Safer country roads save lives.
Pictures from Peter Walsh MP Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Community feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024