The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says the Allan Labor Government’s latest roads funding announcement confirms what Gippslanders already know – that local roads have been allowed to deteriorate for too long.
Mr O’Brien said Labor’s claim that its $1.04 billion roads blitz is “enough to get rid of 200,000 potholes” highlights the scale of the backlog across regional Victoria, including Gippsland.
“There shouldn’t be 200,000 potholes to fix in the first place,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This is Labor finally admitting that road maintenance hasn’t kept pace and communities like ours are paying the price.”
Mr O’Brien said the condition of key Gippsland roads continues to show the impact of years of underinvestment.
“In 2024, the Minister for Roads boasted that 2,739 potholes had been repaired on the South Gippsland Highway in just four months, yet locals were still reporting it was in poor condition.
“That’s not just wear and tear, that’s a road system that’s falling behind basic maintenance needs.”
Mr O’Brien said this comes despite Labor also boasting that it repaired around 187,000 potholes across Victoria last year, with many roads remaining in a poor state.
“When you’re talking about those sorts of numbers being fixed and the roads are still this bad, it shows the scale of the problem isn’t being managed let alone solved.”
Mr O’Brien said Gippsland roads continue to suffer from ongoing neglect.
“This funding won’t even catch up on the maintenance backlog let alone get ahead of the problem.
“While any extra investment is welcome, it comes after too long where Gippsland roads haven’t received the attention they need.
“Regional communities deserve safe, reliable roads that are properly maintained.
“Only The Nationals in government will give Gippsland the fresh start it deserves and ensure its roads are properly funded and maintained.”