MEMBER for Ripon Louise Staley has called on the Andrews Labor Government to compensate rural councils following cuts to roads and bridges funding in country Victoria.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Each of the seven local councils in the seat of Ripon are now looking at cost saving measures to make up for the loss of funding for road and bridge maintenance.
Ms Staley said the Andrews Government should compensate local councils and ensure that country roads are not allowed to deteriorate further.
“Local roads must be maintained for safety,” she said.
“The removal of the country roads and bridges program means these councils have to find an additional $1 million per year for their roads.
“If we are to achieve the goals of the current joint Transport Accident Commission, VicRoads and Victoria Police Towards Zero campaign, then country roads must be adequately maintained, the Andrews Government is putting country lives at risk by cutting this funding.
“Each of the seven councils has had to take different measures to manage the loss of $1 million per year in revenue.
“The only just way, short of restoring the country roads and bridges program, is to fairly compensate local councils for their unavoidable costs in maintaining their roads.”
