The Coalition has promised to invest $10 billion over 10 years in Victoria’s road network if it wins the state election in November.
Shadow Roads Minister Danny O’Brien said the policy would be delivered through the annual road asset management budget and see spending increased from about $600 million a year to $1 billion annually.
Mr O’Brien said that after almost a decade of the Andrews Government, neglect of Victoria’s roads had gone from bad to worse.
“The Andrews Labor Government has left Victoria’s road network crumbling, ignoring the genuine concern of road users across the state, in both the city and the country,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Labor cut the road maintenance budget by 10 per cent when it came to government and, on top of recent wet years, our roads have never recovered.
“This $10 billion investment will deliver longer-term contracts to promote innovation, give contractors certainty to invest in better equipment and allow for strategic maintenance planning.
“It means Victorians won’t have to put up with band-aid solutions that only last weeks or months until the next heavy rain.”
The Coalition said the policy would include a review of construction standards, increased accountability of VicRoads and contractors, and a reduction in “red and green tape” that escalates construction costs.