The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says new figures revealing Victoria is averaging a pothole repair every 100 metres of state road show why Gippsland needs a guaranteed fair share of infrastructure funding.
Mr O’Brien said evidence provided to the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee showed the Allan Labor Government had repaired more than 211,000 potholes across Victoria so far this financial year – equivalent to roughly one pothole every 100 metres across the state’s 23,000-kilometre road network.
“For Gippslanders this isn’t a statistic, this is something we experience every day,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Whether it’s the Princes Highway, South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway or any number of local arterial roads, people are constantly dodging potholes, slowing down for damaged road surfaces and paying for vehicle repairs.
“The government wants to talk about how many potholes it’s filling, but filling potholes isn’t a measure of success. Rather it is evidence that roads have been allowed to deteriorate in the first place.”
Mr O’Brien said Gippslanders are paying the price for years of neglect while billions of dollars were being poured into cost blowouts on Melbourne-based projects.
“We know of more than $50 billion in cost blowouts and $15 billion lost to corruption on government construction projects while regional roads continue to crumble.
“Gippsland contributes enormously to the Victorian economy through agriculture, energy production, tourism and freight, yet our communities continue to miss out on the investment we deserve.”
Mr O’Brien said The Nationals’ Fair Share Guarantee would ensure regional communities receive infrastructure funding that reflects their contribution to the state and their needs.
“Gippsland shouldn’t have to fight for basic road maintenance while billions are wasted elsewhere.
“Our Fair Share Guarantee is about making sure regional Victorians get the infrastructure investment they deserve, including safer roads that are properly maintained before they fall apart.
“Gippslanders are tired of patch jobs. They want roads fixed properly and they deserve their fair share.
“Only The Nationals in government will give Gippsland the fresh start it deserves and ensure we get the fair share we deserve to fix our crumbling roads.”