ROAD FUNDING FALLS SHORT FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA

Concerns are being raised that new road repair funding in Victoria will do little to address the worsening condition of regional transport networks.

The Victorian Farmers Federation says the state government’s one-billion-dollar commitment largely keeps pace with inflation rather than tackling a growing maintenance backlog.

Federation Acting President Peter Star says the funding falls well short of what is needed to restore deteriorating rural roads.

He warns many routes used by agricultural industries have become serious safety risks, impacting both freight efficiency and community wellbeing.

The federation has been advocating for an additional five hundred million dollars annually to properly address the issue.

Mr Star says without sustained investment, poor road conditions will continue to hinder regional economies and agricultural productivity.

The VFF is now calling on the government to commit to a long-term funding strategy to ensure safer and more reliable infrastructure across regional Victoria.