Council releases video in push to secure funding to fix 'worst roads in the state'

Key arterial roads have been rated the worst in the state and the council is calling for urgent State Government funding for road rebuilds.

The state’s peak motoring body, the RACV, has confirmed the video campaign’s message that the road network is broken and requires major investment.

RACV roads and traffic manager Dave Jones said the organisation believed the condition of roads in the south-west was the worst in the state.

“The concerns of local communities, businesses and tourists have been ignored for too long,” he said.

The new video production features Glenelg Shire Council chief Greg Burgoyne alongside Trotters Coaches director Des Trotter and Porthaul truck driver Martin Crack, who detail the economic and social impact the potholed pavement is having on the community.

Mr Burgoyne said 11 sections of key arterial roads leading to the Port of Portland were now reduced to between 40 and 80kmph due to the potholed pavement, which VicRoads has stated can “no longer be patched”.

“The State Government must recognise the serious safety and economic issues facing our community because of this crumbling road network,” he said.

“These roads are broken and pose serious safety risks to motorists – our lives and livelihoods are at risk.

“Recent rain events have had a devastating impact on the road pavement. School buses haven’t been able to pick up students for school, forcing some to miss important VCE final classes. Sadly, the government’s solution has been to lower the speed limit to 40kmph instead of delivering this important investment.

“Our community is saying ‘enough is enough’ – they are tired of lip service and want real solutions from the State Government.”

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan hit out at the State Government.

“It’s a disgrace,” he said.

“There is $40-million from the Commonwealth ready to go. What we need is the state to match it. That would get us ready with $80-million to go and start fixing the roads. If action isn’t taken, the only thing to do will be to take it to Spring Street. It’s an absolute shame if it has to come to that. In the next 30 days we want a funding announcement.” 

State Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said after four years of inaction by the former Liberal Coalition Government, his government had made an unprecedented investment in improving safety on regional roads.

He said the State Government would provide $20 million in funding, however the Federal Govenrment will only match that if it is $40 million.

“But the money for this critical project won't be accessible until the Federal Government confirms the release of the $1.5 billion in joint funding that the project relies upon,” he said.

“We are currently in productive negotiations with our federal counterparts to finalise the release of these funds. The Glenelg Shire has seen a threefold increase in road funding since the last Budget of the former Liberal Coalition Government.”

MORE TO COME.