Funding or fumbling? Tyrrell demands top-notch regional road repairs

By Taylah Baker

Oct 17, 2024

**Member for Northern Victoria Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell recently proposed a motion in state parliament concerning regional roads.** Photo by Rechelle Zammit

As the state parliament reconvened, tensions rose over a pressing issue impacting many residents in regional Victoria.

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Member for Northern Victoria Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell seized the opportunity to move a Notice of Motion, highlighting what she described as a “failure” by the Victorian Government to maintain regional roads.

“As the member of the biggest electorate geographically, my constituents are driving on unsafe roads all over northern Victoria,” she said.

“Nearly every day, a constituent contacts my office complaining about a dangerous road that has been neglected for repair by the state government.”

Mrs Tyrrell referenced the government’s allocation of $964 million for repairing Victorian roads, as announced in the state’s 2024-25 budget.

Of this total investment, 70 per cent, or $675 million, will be specifically dedicated to repairing roads in regional Victoria.

While welcoming the funding, Mrs Tyrrell urged that the pending works maintained the highest quality and standards, providing Victorians with world-class road infrastructure.

“There is anecdotal evidence that previous works completed on our roads have been substandard, with many roads needing new repairs after only a short period of time,” she said.

“Now that the government has provided funding to repair our roads, it is imperative that they are not only fixed but fixed to the highest possible standard.”

Members of the Legislative Council will vote on the motion in two weeks.