Hume region roads rank second-worst in regional Victoria, audit finds
Victorian Auditor-General's report shows 57.4% of Hume region roads are in poor or very poor condition, second-worst in regional Australia.
Roads in Victoria's Hume region are falling apart faster than almost anywhere else in rural Australia. A new audit found 57.4% of the state roads are in poor or very poor condition, compared to just 32.9% in Melbourne.
The Murray Valley Highway has collapsed most dramatically: in 2021, 106 kilometres in Towong Shire were rated very good, but by 2024, 91% was poor or very poor. Farmers say neglected roads make it harder to move livestock and grain.
The Victorian Farmers' Federation survey found 83.2% of farmer respondents ranked roads and freight networks as their top concern, jumping from third place last year. The Labor government has committed more than $1 billion to fill potholes and resurface roads statewide.
It has also committed $200 million combined for regional road upgrades and freight rail maintenance. Locals warn the patchwork repairs are not enough.
- 57.4%
- Hume roads in poor condition
- 83.2%
- Farmers naming roads top concern
Why it mattersPoor roads damage farm business and deter tourism to historic towns like Beechworth, while risking driver safety on crumbling surfaces.
AustraliaVictorians in the Hume region face dangerous driving conditions and uncertainty whether promised funding will reach their roads before more damage occurs.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 28 min ago
