Gannawarra calls for fairer rural roads funding

Gannawarra calls for fairer rural roads funding

Gannawarra Shire Council is calling for increased and sustainable investment in regional road infrastructure after a prominent survey identified deteriorating road surfaces and potholes as the number one road safety concern for regional Victorians.

More than 6,000 people participated in this year's RACV My Country Road survey, with 71 per cent of respondents identifying poor road conditions and potholes as their primary road safety concern. Participants also lodged more than 10,000 requests for road improvements, highlighting the widespread concern about the condition of Victoria's regional road network.

The report also identified the Loddon Valley Highway between Bendigo and Kerang as the third most dangerous regional road corridor in Victoria, underscoring concerns that have long been raised by residents, freight operators, farmers and local councils across north-west Victoria. Respondents highlighted poor road surface conditions, limited overtaking opportunities, and signage and line-marking issues among their key concerns.

"Our residents travel these roads every day, and they know firsthand the impact poor road conditions can have," Mayor Garner Smith said.

"Whether it's getting children to school, travelling to work, attending medical appointments or moving produce to market, safe roads are something people rely on every single day.

"When a major route like the Loddon Valley Highway is ranked among the most dangerous roads in Victoria, it's a clear sign that more needs to be done. Regional communities shouldn't have to accept sub-standard roads as the norm."

The findings also align with broader concerns regarding the condition of regional roads. Recent reporting on the Victorian Auditor-General's assessment of the road network found that more than half of state-funded roads in the Loddon-Mallee region were classified as being in very poor condition, reinforcing the need for sustained investment in maintenance and renewal works.

Gannawarra Shire Council manages more than 2,400 kilometres of local roads, including approximately 508 kilometres of sealed roads and 1,930 kilometres of gravel and earth roads, highlighting the significant challenge faced by rural councils in maintaining extensive transport networks with comparatively small ratepayer bases.

As part of its advocacy efforts, Gannawarra Shire Council is calling for:

Increased long-term State and Federal road funding for rural councils.

Funding models that recognise the unique challenges of maintaining extensive regional road networks with small ratepayer bases.

Greater investment in freight and agricultural transport routes throughout north-west Victoria.

Accelerated upgrades to high-risk regional roads, including key corridors serving Gannawarra and surrounding municipalities.

Funding certainty that allows councils to undertake preventative maintenance rather than relying on reactive repairs.

"Investing in regional roads isn't just about fixing potholes," Mayor Smith said.

"It's about keeping people safe, supporting local businesses and ensuring regional communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive. Regional Victoria deserves a road network that matches the contribution it makes to the state."

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