The Victorian Government has committed $1.04 billion in the 2026–27 Budget to road maintenance and repairs, describing it as the largest investment of its kind in the state, while the opposition has criticised the announcement as a repeat of past commitments that have not improved conditions.
The funding will be used to rebuild, repair and resurface arterial roads, maintain bridges and traffic lights, carry out emergency works, manage roadside vegetation and replace signage. The government said the program would address up to 200,000 potholes and remove 200,000 graffiti tags, with 70 per cent of the funding directed to regional Victoria.
Premier Jacinta Allan said, “This is the biggest roads blitz in the state’s history, and most of that money is going to regional Victoria.” She added, “We’re delivering better, safer roads – and with 20% off rego, it’s cheaper to get around.”
A separate $36.9 million program will focus on maintenance across the state’s busiest freeways, including the Monash, Princes, Western, West Gate, Hume, Calder, Western Ring Road, South Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula and Tullamarine corridors.
The government said the program would address up to 200,000 potholes and remove 200,000 graffiti tags, with 70 per cent of the funding directed to regional Victoria
Roads and Road Safety Minister Ros Spence said, “We’re rebuilding and repairing the roads that Victorians depend on every day.” She added that progress was already visible, stating, “Victorians are already seeing the results with 187,000 potholes removed this year – now we’re doubling down.”
The government pointed to work already completed under last year’s program, including the repair of 187,000 potholes, removal of 127,000 square metres of graffiti, mowing of 1.9 million metres of roadside vegetation, replacement or repair of 31,000 signs and inspection of 13,600 barriers. It said nearly $3 billion had been invested in road maintenance over the past three years, with an average annual spend of $993 million.
The announcement also comes alongside broader cost-of-living measures, including a 20 per cent reduction in vehicle registration and discounted public transport fares.
“Our roads are goat tracks, and we’ve got a government that’s throwing shekels at them and expecting Victorians to believe they’re all going be fixed.”
The opposition, led on the issue by Nationals leader and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety Danny O’Brien, rejected the announcement, arguing it repeated earlier commitments without delivering improvements.
“Every year we get an announcement from Labor that they’re doing a lot of work to fix our roads, but Victorians know every year our roads are getting worse. Today’s announcement is no different. It’s designed to fool Victorians into thinking the government is doing something,” Mr O’Brien said.
He added, “On the eve of an election Labor again says they’re going to fix our roads when the media releases of the last decade haven’t delivered – indeed our roads are still getting worse.
“Our roads are goat tracks, and we’ve got a government that’s throwing shekels at them and expecting Victorians to believe they’re all going be fixed.”
Mr O’Brien also questioned the government’s explanation for road conditions. “The Premier has again spoken about the weather as the reason the roads are in such poor condition. Is this a joke? This government has been in power for 12 years now and the roads have gotten worse every year,” he said.
The opposition said its approach would focus on increased preventative maintenance to reduce long-term costs and improve safety outcomes across the network.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
