The Nationals are running a statewide photo competition with the worst potholes to feature in a 2025 “Potholes for All Seasons” calendar that will be presented to Premier Jacinta Allan and Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne later this month.
Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said Victoria’s roads had been going backwards for years due to the current government’s road maintenance budget cuts and neglect.
“Right across our region we know our roads are in appalling and unsafe condition and every single day cars are being damaged, and lives put at risk,” Mr McCurdy said.
“The government’s own data shows that road maintenance works in regional Victoria have plummeted by 95 per cent last financial year.
“It shouldn’t come as any surprise that a government survey last year found 91 per cent of roads analysed were in poor or very poor condition.
“Our cars must be roadworthy, but our roads are far from car-worthy, and the condition of regional roads is now the biggest safety concern for motorists.”
RoadSafe North East Executive Officer John Weinert said while potholes may not have directly caused accidents, they are definitely contributing to motorists driving in an unsafe manner.
“There is very little evidence connecting the state of our roads directly to crashes. But we have all seen the change in behaviour of drivers being more aggressive, impatient and speeding which results in higher risk taking,” Mr Weinert said.
“I believe the frustration of dodging potholes and being distracted by that, increases our stress and anxiety which in turn could increase our risk taking.
“It's not only the potholes but the signage that has been left out there well after the repairs have been done while other potholes are left unsigned.”
Mr McCurdy concluded that the “Potholes for All Seasons” calendar should be hung on the office wall of the Premier and the Minister for Roads and Road Safety as a daily reminder of the absolute neglect and disregard of regional road users.
Motorists should only take photos of roads where they can do so safely and without putting other road users at risk.
Pothole photos can be uploaded at www.potholepics.com.
