National News
Victorian Labor pledges to upgrade 25 local roads if elected
Labor has today pledged a further $893 million to upgrade 25 more roads, as the Coalition also vows to make fixing the state’s roads a top priority if elected.
Of the 25 roads earmarked for repair by a Labor government, 19 would be in regional Victoria. Many of the roads slated for upgrades are in highly contested electorates including Ripon, Morwell and South-West Coast. Labor has previously committed to upgrade 25 other roads in recent weeks, including the Bellarine Link, widening Somerton Road in Melbourne and duplicating Findon Road in Epping.
Premier Ben Carroll told ABC Statewide Mornings the focus on roads was part of his “back to basics approach”, delaying some level crossings, making some savings on the Suburban Rail Loop and bringing forward funds for our local roads.
Carroll said the Coalition in the mid-90s privatised road maintenance, while he is currently prioritising bringing it back in-house to change the status quo and bring road maintenance back in-house, full accountability by the Victorian government.