Leocata’s Transport is facing more than $100,000 in unbudgeted repairs due to the state of the regions roads, but for owner Adrian Leocata the safety of his 74 staff is even more concerning.
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe and Shadow Roads Minister Danny O’Brien met with Mr Leocata last week before Ms O’Keeffe spoke in parliament about the state of the roads.
Mr Leocata’s drivers regularly use Tatura-Murchison Rd, which is a busy trucking route.
It was significantly affected by the flooding in October 2022.
“Mr Leocata says the burden on his drivers is even higher, as they have to also worry about the safety of other road users as they all struggle to weave around potholes, crumbling edges and whole strips of road simply chewed up and riddled with cracks and bitumen waves,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“And it is blindingly obvious this road is not only deteriorating from a lack of maintenance and repairs; it is simply no longer fit for purpose.”
Ms O’Keeffe asked Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne to tell regional Victorians when there would be increased funding for repairs and maintenance, “before more lives are lost”.
Ms O’Keeffe told parliament she “found it astounding” Ms Horne had publicly boasted about the great work being done by her government and the millions of dollars being spent on the challenge.
“I can assure the minister that’s not happening in my electorate,” she said.
Ms O’Keeffe is also urging people to speak at the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the 2022 floods.
The inquiry will consider Victoria’s preparedness for and response to the floods and will look at things such as the flood mitigation infrastructure, government policy and systems to warn the public.
Ms O’Keeffe says the inquiry will be taking submissions and it is important people in her electorate affected by the floods have their say and get their experiences and opinions on the record.
Submissions are being accepted until Monday, May 8 at new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/floodinquiry/submissions