Roads across Northern Victoria are still in a mess as local councils struggle to get funding to fix them following widespread flood damage.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad told Parliament that local councils are reporting multiple layers of frustrating red tape as they try to access appropriate funding.
As the interim report from the Victorian Upper House’s inquiry into the 2022 floods was tabled, Ms Broad said it was vital to reflect on what had happened and what could be done better.
“Eighteen months on, many regional councils are still wound up in red tape, draining staff resources in completing hundreds of pages of paperwork and trying to prove flood damage.
“Around 1,000 kilometres of roads were impacted by the 2022 floods and local councils are battling to keep their heads above water.
“The Gannawarra council lodged certified claims for $8.6 million with the State Government in October 2023 and appointed contractors in December, but so far $1.6 million has been approved and they are still waiting on the government to approve the remaining $7 million to repair flood-damaged roads.
“In Buloke Shire there is close to $30 million in damage claims for roads, bridges and culverts to repair them, and to date only one project has been approved, for $300,000.
“In Loddon so far $4.6 million of works have been completed, and the council is still waiting on $23 million of claims relating to roads and culvert damage. None have been approved. The state government needs to approve these projects so that local councils can get the work done.
“Small regional councils don’t have the funds to fix these roads themselves, and the roads are deteriorating further while the Government drags the chain.”
Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety Danny O’Brien said the information from local councils was extremely disturbing.
“This appalling situation comes on the back of recent figures showing a staggering 91 per cent of Victorian roads have been classified as ‘poor or very poor’.
“The Allan Labor Government has cut road maintenance funding by 45 per cent since 2020, and the result is the appalling state of our roads, particularly in regional areas.
“Labor can’t manage money and regional Victorians are paying the price on our roads.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au