As anyone who drives through Victoria can attest, potholes are becoming an all-too-frequent hazard on our roads. Unfortunately, with the recent cuts to resurfacing and rehabilitation works by the debt-laden Allan Government, the situation is set to worsen dramatically. This is not merely a prediction; it’s a reality backed by alarming statistics that should concern every Victorian motorist.
Recent data revealed a staggering decline in road maintenance funding, with resurfacing efforts slashed to a third of what they were just three years ago. In regional Victoria, resurfacing works have plummeted by over 65%, while metropolitan Melbourne has seen a 25% decrease. To put it simply, the road network that already suffers from poor maintenance is being left to deteriorate even further.
Justin Bartlett, managing director of VSA Roads, underscores the severity of the issue, stating that the entire resurfacing industry in regional Victoria has been decimated. He explains that the lifecycle of bitumen means that without regular resurfacing, roads become aged and brittle, leading to cracks and, inevitably, potholes. The result is a vicious cycle: untreated potholes require more extensive repairs down the line, costing taxpayers significantly more in the long run.
Critics of the government, including Nationals MP Danny O’Brien, have rightfully pointed out that Victorian motorists are bearing the brunt of this mismanagement. Roads that are supposed to be safe and reliable are instead riddled with potholes and cracks, rendering them dangerous for drivers. O’Brien’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment: if our vehicles must meet roadworthy standards, shouldn’t our roads be held to the same level of scrutiny?
In defense of their budget cuts, the Victorian Government has attributed road damage to recent floods and above-average rainfall, asserting that funds had to be redirected to emergency repairs. However, this reasoning rings hollow when you consider that proactive maintenance could have mitigated some of these issues. Promises of increased resurfacing levels in the future sound good, but they may come too late for many of us who face deteriorating road conditions today.
As we brace for more rainy days, it is clear that without adequate funding for road maintenance, Victoria’s infrastructure will continue to decline. The Allan Government must prioritize our roads before the potholes become a permanent fixture of our daily commutes. The time for action is now; otherwise, we are heading down a slippery slope that will cost us all in the long run.
