The survey closes on May 7. Community feedback to The Weekly Advertiser via a Facebook post showed an overwhelming response to the Western Highway requiring immediate attention to its poor condition.
All roads leading to Warracknabeal were also mentioned, as were roads around Murtoa, Minyip and Rupanyup. People also noted the poor condition of Victorian roads compared with other states, particularly South Australia.
The Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, also weighed in on the poor condition of roads in western Victoria.
Federation president Emma Germano said feedback from football fans who travelled to Adelaide earlier this month for AFL Gather Round clearly identified to road users, many from Melbourne, the deplorable condition of country roads compared with South Australian roads.
“I have heard stories from people who were shocked to see the stark difference in the quality of roads as they crossed the border,” she said.
“Victorians shouldn’t have to drive to South Australia just to drive on a decent bit of bitumen.”
Added costs
Ms Germano said the failure to maintain Victoria’s regional roads were adding costs for farmers and regional Victorians.
“The country roads crisis is only adding to the cost-of-living crisis. I’ve heard of many vehicles that were stranded on the Western Highway with shredded tyres and cracked wheels,” she said.
“What was an expensive trip for footy fans is nothing compared with the expense farmers and regional Victorians are being forced to endure every day.
“Farmers are actively having to choose alternative freight routes to avoid rotten roads. This is driving down productivity, adding cost to food production and making farming even more difficult.”
Ms Germano said she had written to Treasurer Tim Pallas ahead of the State Budget, highlighting the urgent need for investment in regional road infrastructure.
“Victorian farmers and regional businesses rely on our road networks to transport goods to market, access essential services, and connect with customers,” she said.
“The ongoing dilapidated state of our country roads not only poses significant safety risks but hampers productivity and economic growth in regional areas.
“It is crucial the State Government recognises the urgency of this issue and allocates adequate funding to address the maintenance backlog and prevent further deterioration.”
The My Country Road survey also provides an opportunity for motorists in regional Victoria to let RACV know what they think of electric vehicles, and barriers to uptake.
RACV automotive services general manager Jackie Pedersen said results from the survey would be shared with all levels of government to improve safety outcomes.
“RACV conducted the first My Country Road survey back in 2021 and 31 regional roads were highlighted as having serious safety issues. Of these, 16 have seen infrastructure upgrades commence or committed to by government,” she said.
“In 2023 there were 174 deaths on regional Victorian roads, that is an almost 30 percent increase on the previous year.
“Given these tragic numbers, it is more important than ever that Victorians help us to make country roads safer by completing this year’s survey.”
Ms Pedersen said RACV wanted to find out what people thought were Victoria’s most dangerous regional roads.
“For example, is the speed limit too high given the condition of the road? What are the potential dangers in the road design, like narrow lanes, power poles or trees too close to the road? Are the roads poorly signposted or damaged? Or are there regularly unexpected things on the road like livestock, or native animals?,”she said.
“We want to gather as much data as we can to encourage the state government and local councils to make commitments that deliver safer regional roads and help save lives.”
People can complete the survey online at www.racv.com.au/haveyoursay.
The entire April 17, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
