Opinion

Maintenance blitz benefits all operators

The VTA welcomes the Allan government’s significant investment in Victoria’s road network through the $964 million road maintenance blitz announced by Roads Minister Melissa Horne.

This initiative marks the largest single-year investment in road maintenance in Victoria’s history, and it will bring considerable benefits to regional freight operators, farmers, and the broader community.

We commend the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, particularly in regional areas, where around 70 per cent of this funding will be allocated.

For the road freight and agriculture industries, this investment is much more than just a much-needed infrastructure boost.

It represents a fundamental commitment to improving the safety, efficiency, and productivity of supply chains that rely heavily on Victoria’s regional roads. These industries are the backbone of regional economies, and well-maintained roads are essential to ensuring goods can be transported to market efficiently and safely.

The impact of repeated flooding and above-average rainfall over the past few years has been devastating for regional roads.

Many routes have suffered extensive damage, hindering the movement of freight and placing added pressure on transport operators who are already facing rising operational costs.

We applaud recognition that simply resurfacing these roads is not enough. By focusing on rebuilding and rehabilitating the most damaged roads, this blitz will ensure that repairs are long-lasting and resilient to future weather events, which is a significant win for the state’s regional industries.

Key trade routes, such as the Hume Freeway, Princes Highway, Western Highway, and Goulburn Valley Highway, are critical to the movement of goods across the state and to interstate markets.

The prioritisation of these routes, as well as other vital roads like Echuca-Mooroopna Road, Terang-Mortlake Road, and Horsham-Kalkee Road, reflects understanding of their importance to Victoria’s freight network.

These roads not only connect regional producers to ports and processing facilities, but they also link rural communities to essential services and support the movement of agricultural products, including livestock, grains, and fresh produce.

Farmers stand to benefit greatly from this road maintenance blitz. The agriculture sector is heavily reliant on road transport to move goods from paddocks to processing plants and markets.

Poor road conditions can lead to delays, increased vehicle wear and tear, and higher costs for farmers. With these improvements, farmers can expect smoother, safer roads that reduce travel times and minimise damage to their vehicles and equipment. This is especially crucial during peak harvest seasons when timely transport is critical to ensuring the freshness and quality of agricultural produce.

The safety benefits of this investment cannot be overstated. Road transport is a dangerous industry, and poor road conditions significantly increase the risk of accidents.

By prioritising road safety and ensuring that roads are properly maintained and repaired, the government is not only protecting the lives of drivers and road users but also reducing the likelihood of accidents that can disrupt the supply chain.

This is particularly important for heavy vehicles, which are more difficult to control on deteriorating roads and are at greater risk of causing serious accidents when conditions are unsafe.

Better roads mean less strain on local infrastructure, improved access to services, and a stronger economic outlook for regions that rely on agriculture and manufacturing. We look forward to continued collaboration with the government and regional stakeholders to ensure that these projects are delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption to freight operations.

As the road maintenance works roll out over the next nine months, the VTA encourages regional freight operators, farmers, and transport businesses to stay informed about project timelines and road closures and to notify VicRoads on 131 170 of maintenance requirements.

It is critical that the industry works together to adapt to any temporary disruptions while these vital improvements are made.

* Peter Anderon is CEO of the Victorian Transport Association

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