Auditor finds Victoria shortchanged regional roads by $2 billion
An audit shows Victoria's government underfunded regional road maintenance by $2 billion, even as Melbourne projects blew out.
The Victorian Auditor-General released its first road report in nine years this week, revealing the state knowingly underfunded regional road maintenance. The $2 billion gap was only to maintain roads at their current level, not improve them.
Freight companies have seen maintenance bills climb 300 per cent from pothole damage. Just last month 98 per cent of damage claims were rejected.
The government fell $1.82 billion short of the minimal level needed to slow deterioration.
- $2 billion
- Underfunding gap
- 300 percent
- Freight cost increase
- $200
- Cost per damaged tyre
- 98 percent
- Damage claims rejected
Why it mattersRegional Victorians and freight operators face rising costs and safety risks from crumbling roads while the government funds big city projects.
AustraliaRegional Victorian drivers and freight companies are bearing the cost of deferred road maintenance through damaged vehicles and lost loads.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 21 h ago
