Regional roads crisis: ‘City-centric’ roads cash splash angers farmer body

The announcement of a ‘suburban road blitz’ has angered regional Victorians wanting their fair share of road funding.

A pledge by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that Victorian regional roads in dire need of repair work will also receive crucial funding is being treated with extreme caution from the state’s peak farmer body and the opposition.

A week after revealing the federal government would contribute $1bn to a suburban road blitz at Wallan, Cranbourne West and Carrum, Labor is yet to reveal any works in regional areas.

“These are three important projects, but they are only the first three,” Mr Albanese said.

“There will be more to come, in suburbs and regions that need this investment the most.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed $1bn in federal funding for a suburban road blitz last week. Picture: David Caird

The roads funding announcement, which the Victorian government will also contribute $200m towards, has been described as a “city-centric cash splash” by the VFF.

“It’s a genuine slap in the face for those living outside of Melbourne,” VFF president Brett Hosking said.

“Both the Commonwealth and Victorian governments are proving they have no interest in taking action to fix roads outside of marginal electorates.

“This funding announcement was billed as ‘Victoria’s fair share’.

“It should be rebranded as ‘Melbourne’s fair share’, as there is little to smile about from a regional Victorian’s perspective.”

VFF president Brett Hosking has described last week’s road funding announcement a “city-centric cash splash”. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

The three suburban road projects are all in seats held by Labor MPs: Rob Mitchell (McEwen), Cassandro Fernando (Holt) and Jodie Belyea (Dunkley).

The Coalition is targeting the three seats in question in its bid to win back government.

Federal Infrastructure Minister and Ballarat MP Catherine King was contacted for comment.

Opposition infrastructure spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie said: “Victorians should not hold their breath waiting for their potholes to be fixed by Labor”.

“The Prime Minister cannot be trusted on road funding,” she said.

“Labor has abolished the roads of strategic importance, bridges renewal and local roads and community infrastructure program.

“Mr Albanese opened this election year saying he would deliver $7.2bn to the Bruce Highway but now we find out only $430m will be provided over the next three years.”

A spokesman for Senator McKenzie said the Coalition would be announcing its road funding priorities during the campaign.

Originally published as Regional roads crisis: ‘City-centric’ roads cash splash angers farmer body