Two Macedon Ranges roads have ranked among the state’s worst in a country road survey while satisfaction on local roads has hit a new low.
Last week, RACV’s My Country Road Survey revealed Tylden-Woodend Road from Woodend to Tylden, and Kilmore Road from Monegeetta to Gisborne, ranked second and third respectively in most safety complaints.
RACV released the results of its survey last week, which had more than 7000 people providing data on the safety of regional roads. The northern region attracted the highest number of responses.
Potholes and poor road condition were the top issues identified, with an overwhelming 64 per cent of participants identifying these as the primary safety issue; up from 46 per cent in 2021.
RACV will use the survey data to encourage the Victorian Government and local councils to make commitments that deliver safer regional roads.
On Sunday, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas told the Express these roads had been prioritised for works and weather had had a big impact on local roads.
“This report tells us what we already know – that the major weather events of the past few years have had a big impact on our roads and what were once considered once-in-a-generation flood events are becoming commonplace,” she told the Express.
“I know how important these roads are for locals and that’s why I will keep advocating for more investment and maintenance work on these roads.
“I am advised they are on the priority list for the upcoming season of works, which is under final review by the Department of Transport and Planning.”
STATE ROADS
“ATROCIOUS”
RACV’s My Country Road Survey was released shortly after damning road results in Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey.
The satisfaction survey revealed a sharp decline in satisfaction on sealed and unsealed roads, ranking below state-wide average, while most other MRSC service areas had improved.
MRSC councillor Geoff Neil has suggested the council could, in some cases, be wrongly under fire for “atrocious” state government roads.
“I think, for many people, there is a disconnect between what are our local roads and what are main (state government managed) roads,” Cr Neil said, at council’s July meeting.
“The fact is that if you drive around on some of our main roads, your mind is set because they are, in places, absolutely atrocious and, of course, they come under the auspice of the state government.
“We’re doing our best, we just need to urge others to do theirs to create better and safer roads within this municipality.”
CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said roads was “the most challenged service area” but that the council was “not alone addressing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on local road networks”.
He said the council would continue to prioritise implementation of its road management and budget plans.
“As an example, in the last financial year, council resealed close to 200,000sqm of roads and also re-sheeted 68.4km of unsealed roads. There’s clearly more to do,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“Council is committed to $12.5 million in road works in the 2024-25 financial year and will continue to work with all levels of government and advocate for increased investment.”
