Victoria underfunded regional roads by $1.82 billion, audit reveals
Victorian auditor found the state government knowingly underfunded regional road maintenance by $1.82 billion, causing defects to double in 18 months.
Victoria's auditor found what drivers already knew: the government underfunded regional road maintenance. The shortfall was $1.82 billion below the bare minimum needed to slow deterioration.
Road defects doubled in 18 months. Freight maintenance costs surged 300 per cent.
Local tyre shops were swamped with hundreds of broken wheels. On the Ballarat to Maryborough Road, drivers report five speed zones within kilometres.
Crews patched the same potholes that reopened a week later. Premier Ben Carroll announced a $352 million top-up, and the Coalition proposed a $5 billion fix package.
- $1.82 billion
- Underfunding shortfall
- Doubled in 18 months
- Defect increase
- 300 per cent
- Freight cost surge
- 28 November
- Election date
Why it mattersRegional drivers now face damaged wheels, higher transport costs, and safety risks. Voters will decide whether either major party's response goes far enough when they head to the polls on 28 November.
AustraliaVictorians in regional areas pay higher tyre repair bills and face longer trips due to reduced-speed zones and deteriorating routes. The issue will likely shape the state election outcome.
Corroborated bybendigoadvertiser.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 10 d ago
