We’re urging regional drivers to report every pothole and road hazard as part of a two week ‘Regional road reporting blitz’. The call follows new analysis by VFF showing a shock 75% drop in Victoria’s road repair target in just five years.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President Ryan Milgate said every report would help demonstrate the scale of Victoria’s regional road crisis.
“Victoria’s country roads are the worst they have ever been, from the Murray River in the north to the coast in the south and west to the SA border. Many are literally falling apart and some are straight-up death traps.”
“It’s a sobering fact that when driving on country roads, you’re five times more likely to lose your life than when driving in the city. We have had over a generation of inaction on rural road infrastructure and that needs addressing urgently.”
“Regional roads stakeholders met with the Roads Minister recently, and received a clear message that local reporting is critical to get repairs prioritised. That’s why we’re calling for this ‘Regional road reporting blitz’. Every report helps demonstrate the shocking condition of our regional roads and sends a clear message that these roads cannot continue to be ignored.”
“Our aim is to show how bad our roads have become. No longer are dangerous roads an isolated problem, it’s a widespread issue and the more we report it, the louder our calls become to get them fixed,” Mr Milgate said.
The reporting blitz comes after VFF analysis shows regional roads continue to be left behind for much-needed Victorian Government investment.
Victorian Budget figures reveal:
- Planned road resurfacing and rehabilitation works in regional Victoria have been cut dramatically over the past five years;
- Targets for regional road resurfacing and rehabilitation have fallen from 11,800 thousand square metres in 2021–22 to just 2,859 thousand square metres in 2026–27, a reduction of more than 75 per cent.
“The government’s own numbers show regional roads are being left behind. A more than 75 per cent reduction in planned resurfacing and rehabilitation works is unacceptable. Temporary patches are no substitute for rebuilding roads properly and drivers, farmers and all of our rural communities are paying the price,” Mr Milgate said.
Drivers can use VicRoads’ online road issue reporting system, call 13 11 70 or upload their shots to Snap, Send, Solve to report hazards including potholes, damaged road surfaces, faded line markings and damaged signs.