Victorian motorists grappling with the deteriorating condition of the state's road network may find solace in a substantial new pledge from the opposition. Should they be elected in November, the Victorian Coalition has committed to a sweeping $5 billion investment aimed at repairing and rebuilding critical infrastructure across the state.

The comprehensive four-year plan, announced by Liberal and Nationals leaders, focuses on eradicating an estimated one million potholes currently plaguing Victorian roads. Beyond immediate fixes, the strategy proposes a fundamental shift towards proactive maintenance, re-establishing what they term a 'proper, planned system of preventative road upkeep'.

A Dedicated Approach to Road Maintenance

Central to the Coalition's proposal is the establishment of 'Better Roads Victoria', envisioned as a standalone division operating within the Department of Transport and Planning. This new entity would be tasked specifically with overseeing the extensive maintenance program.

The $5 billion funding package is not solely for resurfacing. It also earmarks significant resources for crucial roadside maintenance activities, including grass slashing, graffiti removal, and drain clearance – often overlooked elements that contribute to road longevity and safety. Furthermore, the plan includes a thorough review of existing construction standards and maintenance contracts, aiming to ensure higher quality and greater accountability in future projects.

Motorists Bearing the Brunt of Neglect

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson did not mince words when discussing the current state of Victoria’s roads. She highlighted the financial burden placed on drivers due to vehicle damage, citing 'blown tyres, cracked rims, and worse' as direct consequences of neglected infrastructure. Wilson linked these issues to what she described as significant waste and alleged corruption surrounding the government’s 'Big Build' projects.

“Drivers shouldn't be the ones footing the bill for damage because the current government cannot get the basics right,” Ms. Wilson stated, framing the road conditions as a rapidly escalating cost-of-living concern for Victorian families and businesses.

Fair Share for Regional Victoria

Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Danny O'Brien, underscored the plan's specific benefits for regional Victoria, aligning it with a broader 'Fair Share Guarantee' commitment. Mr. O'Brien criticised the perceived imbalance in infrastructure spending, noting that regional areas, despite accounting for 25 per cent of the state's population, currently receive less than 12 per cent of infrastructure funding.

Under the proposed plan, 25 per cent of the state's total infrastructure spending would be redirected to regional areas, a move O'Brien insists is crucial for addressing widespread road dilapidation outside of metropolitan hubs. He expressed frustration with what he called 'half-hearted patch-up jobs' that fail to provide lasting solutions.

Budget Scrutiny and Calls for More Funding

The Coalition's announcement comes amid ongoing criticism regarding the current government's road maintenance budget. While this year's Victorian budget allocated $1 billion to road repairs – with 70 per cent earmarked for regional areas – peak bodies representing regional Victoria have deemed this insufficient. Concerns have been raised that the funding falls short of what is required to tackle the extensive network of crumbling rural roads.

Budget papers reveal a projected decrease in repair targets for Victoria's regional road network, with 74,000 square metres slated for repair in the 2026-27 financial year, down from 95,000 square metres the preceding year. Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) previously advocated for an additional $500,000 per year over four years specifically for road upgrades and resealing to adequately address the crisis.

Campaign Trail Stunts Highlight the Issue

The dire condition of Victoria’s roads has even become a focal point for direct action on the campaign trail. Earlier this year, Liberal Party candidate for the Nepean by-election, Anthony Marsh, participated in an unauthorised roadworks stunt alongside Ms. Wilson. A video circulated on social media showed the pair filling potholes in Dromana, an act that subsequently prompted a complaint to the state’s Department of Transport and Planning regarding the safety and integrity of the impromptu repairs. This incident underscores the high political stakes associated with road infrastructure leading into the upcoming election.