Regional roads labelled a “dangerous disgrace”

NEW research has found that regional roads are a “dangerous disgrace” and recommended the federal government boost funding so councils can better manage their roads.

This month, the Grattan Institute released a report titled “Potholes and Pitfalls: How to Fix Local Roads”

The report highlights how a gradual erosion of federal funding over the past decade has been devastating for local roads.

Report lead author Marion Terrill said local roads offered better value for money than megaprojects.

“Taxpayers would get better bang for their buck if the federal government spent an extra $1 billion on improving our local roads rather than on building new megaprojects in the major cities.

“What’s needed to put the road network on a better path is more funding better targeted at where it is needed most, and reforms to ensure that councils have the tools and time to fix the potholes and give their communities the roads they need,” Ms Terrill said.

Surf Coast Shire general manager of placemaking and environment, Chris Pike said the shire was still digesting the findings of the report.

“We are still working through the Grattan Institute research and report but welcome the detailed focus on local roads, and funding and support processes.

“Councils Australia-wide are facing increasing challenges in road maintenance particularly in light of our changing climate.”

“Our council allocated $15 million in its 2023-24 Budget to deliver road upgrades, maintenance and renewal across the shire, but rate capping constraints along with limited external funding means that we still face a renewal backlog.”

“A 2022-23 roads condition audit received by Council in August showed an overall improvement … but we are sharpening our focus on unsealed roads by commissioning a review of our current approach.”

The Grattan report reveals 75 per cent of Australia’s roads are managed by councils, and estimates an extra $1 billion is needed in 2024 just to ensure that the roads are kept in the same state they are in now.

The report also states taxpayers’ money would be more effectively spent if the federal government cut back the share of the funding pool it directs to metropolitan councils.

City of Greater Geelong acting executive director of city infrastructure Reese McIlvena said the city managed an extensive road renewals program to ensure a safe and effective network.

“Council continues to advocate both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments for grants to supplement our road renewal capital investment program, ensuring we maximise investment on our roads within the region.”