Victorian roads crisis: Tobin Brothers and Chinese government put potholes in the spotlight

Victoria’s poor roads have captured even more unwanted attention from a funeral business and an overseas country. See the latest.

Victoria’s crumbling country roads were the subject of a summer safety message from a leading funeral business with a growing presence in regional areas.

Tobin Brothers ran the safety message on Melbourne radio station 3AW from Christmas-New Year to the Australia Day long weekend stating: “Victoria’s pothole problem is a safety issue that puts lives at risk.

“Please take care on our roads this holiday season.”

Tobin Brothers managing director James MacLeod said: “I was just concerned because people were on the roads at Christmas time and a lot of people don’t drive country roads very often.

“Our message was ‘just be careful, the potholes are dangerous’.

“We want to do funerals for people who have had long and fulfilling lives, not people who have had accidents on our roads.”

Mr MacLeod said the message was also prompted by ongoing damage to the company’s hearses and other vehicles.

“I’ve never seen such a high damage bill to our vehicles,” he said.

“We’ve just seen an increase in damage to tyres predominantly.

“Our team members are talking about it all around the state.”

Tobin Brothers funeral business highlighted the poor state of Victoria’s roads in a safety message broadcast on 3AW during the summer holidays. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Tobin Brothers has a presence in Ballarat, Wodonga, Echuca and across the border in Corowa.

Its move coincided with the Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne issuing a warning late last month of potential traffic risks in Australia, citing the winding and occasionally poor condition of roads in Victoria.

It strongly advised first-time Chinese tourists to avoid self-driving, recommending alternative transportation options to ensure safety.

Victorian Nationals leader Danny O'Brien.

Victorian Nationals leader and the Opposition’s roads spokesman Danny O’Brien said a “major problem” existed if funeral homes and the Chinese government were issuing warnings about the state’s roads.

“Our roads have become an international embarrassment and undertakers are sending out warnings, yet Labor refuses to take action or accept accountability,” he said.

“The Allan Labor Government can’t manage roads maintenance and all Victorians are paying the price.”