Coalition to restore country roads and bridges program

THE Coalition has taken its latest election pledge on the road, promising to restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program if it returns to power in November’s state poll.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy, Nationals leader Peter Walsh and Shadow Minister for Roads and

Infrastructure David Hodgett said their government would bring back the $160 million program, which was cancelled by Labor in 2014.

Approximately $1 million in grants will be provided to Victoria’s 40 rural shires each year over four years.

The grants will help restore and rehabilitate council-maintained roads and bridges.

The Coalition has frequently criticised the ending of the Country Roads and Bridges Program and urged it to be reinstated – in 2014, South Barwon MP Andrew Katos said the Coalition would pledge another $4 million towards the program ahead of that year’s election, in which he held his seat but his party lost power.

“The Liberal Nationals will get Victoria moving with the high-quality, safe roads and infrastructure regional and rural Victorians deserve,” Mr Guy said.

“Daniel Andrews is the Premier for Melbourne, I’ll be the Premier for all Victorians.”

Mr Katos said local roads and infrastructure were the critical link for parents taking the kids to school, for freight operators bringing goods and services into towns and for the jobs that keep communities moving.

“Restoring this program will be a shot in the arm for the Surf Coast Shire – it’ll make Torquay and other local communities more liveable and it will also support jobs in our region.”