MANY roads throughout our region are a sore point for both local and visiting drivers. Potholes run rampant, despite what seems like constant roving roadworks and disruptions.
Roads are generally the domain of the State Government, and Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell, as well as Member for Euroa and newly appointed Shadow Minister for Roads, Steph Ryan, have expressed their discontent for the issue of local roads being seemingly ignored.
In late 2020, Ms Lovell expressed her concern about a road in Tatura, after being contacted by a constituent from the road in question, Ross Street. Ms Lovell sought a funding commitment to upgrade Ross Street.
In his response, the Minister for Roads and Road Safety stated that the section of in question would receive a full-width asphalt pavement treatment repair. No such repair has been conducted, with two Regional Roads Victoria workers completing minor repairs only following the request. As such, Ross Street has returned to its original poor condition, with the minor repairs destroyed by the constant use of the road by fully loaded vehicles.
Tatura resident Leonie Ranson even has a logical solution in mind. “I know it sounds odd for a small town, but perhaps traffic lights would help,” said Leonie.
“The Government has no idea of the amount of trucks and carriers that use Ross Street, not to mention the nature of country town traffic in general.”
Ms Ryan has recently expressed concern that the State Government is out of touch with country road needs.
“I’ve invited the Minister to the Euroa electorate to see the true state of the state’s road network,” said Ms Ryan.
“Country roads have suffered from neglect ever since the axing of the ‘Country Roads and Bridges Program’ back in 2014. We need to reinstate this program, which provides funding to help maintain local roads, and make regional roads a priority.”
