The commitment would see each of Victoria’s 48 rural and regional councils receive $1.5 million every year for four years in untied funding, commencing in the 2027-28 State Budget.
The program would allow local governments to determine which road and bridge projects were the highest priorities in their communities, rather than forcing councils to compete for limited funding through a State Government grants process.
Mr McCurdy said the funding would give councils greater certainty to get on with the road and bridge projects that matter most to their communities.
The commitment follows the Coalition’s $5 billion commitment to repair and rebuild Victoria’s roads, eliminate one million potholes and restore a planned system of preventative road maintenance.
“When roads are neglected, potholes get bigger, repairs get more expensive and the safety of drivers, families, farmers and businesses is put at risk,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Our communities need roads that are safe, reliable and properly maintained, not another round of excuses from the Labor Government.
“Giving councils untied funding means they can make the decisions about which roads and bridges need attention most urgently, based on what their communities are experiencing on the ground.”
Mr McCurdy said the Country Roads and Bridges Program was abolished by Labor in 2015.
The $288 million program will form part of a broader Liberals and Nationals commitment to improve road safety, address years of neglect and ensure regional communities receive their fair share of infrastructure investment.
