Gippsland › Latest news › Steph Ryan MP
Budget cuts from Andrews Labor government for regional roads sends alarm on climbing road toll on Victoria's country roads
Victorian parliamentary committee hearings have exposed a $50 million cut to road safety in the Andrews Labor government's 2022-23 Victorian Budget, with more cuts on the way.
The funds were slashed from the budget despite the state's road toll increasing to 99 lives lost, up from 87 deaths at the same time last year. The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) also heard road safety spending in 2021-22 plunged to $86.6 million following an expected outlay of $136.9 million - a 37 per cent cut on projections.
Ms Ryan also pushed the government to take a multi-pronged approach to road safety, including proper investment in road maintenance and management
Alarming drastic budget cuts
Concerningly, targets for road safety initiatives have been cut from 73 to 34, pending Commonwealth government investment. Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Roads Steph Ryan expressed alarm around the drastic cuts.
Ms Ryan said, "With the road toll rising, now is not the time to cut road safety spending. Every road death is a tragedy and preventable. We need strong investment to drive down the road toll and keep Victorians safe."
"We have no clarity on what crucial projects will not be funded as a result of these broad cuts to funding and the delivery of initiatives. Road safety is everyone's business and I urge the government to reverse these cuts and re-invest in road safety."
Safe roads, save lives
Ms Ryan also said, "Labor's carved big cuts from road asset management for the past two years, to the tune of more than $200 million. The Andrews Labor government refuses to acknowledge the pivotal role safe and properly maintained roads play in keeping road users safe."
"Human error is a major factor in the road toll, with too many Victorian roads plagued by crumbling shoulders and massive potholes that are a daily danger to motorists. Safe country roads save country lives. These budget cuts don't make sense as we watch our road network fall into a state of disrepair.
"The Auditor-General warned the Labor government about the declining state of our road network in 2017, these cuts must be reversed and road safety re-prioritised to the benefit of all Victorians."
Pictures from Steph Ryan MP Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Bass Coast Shire Council will host free community workshop on 18 May 2024 with keynote speaker Kate Buxton of Shift the Needle
Baw Baw Shire Early Childhood Careers Expo at West Gippsland Arts Centre on 30 May 2024
Siemens and Marathon Group join forces in Gippsland to progress energy transition to offshore wind projects
Surf Parade Shared Path to be extended to last 550m to InverlochSurf Club
Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 15 May 2024
Corner Inlet is celebrating National Volunteer Week on 18 May 2024 at Foster War Memorial Arts Centre
Gippslanders face more financial strain under Albanese Labor government third budget with broken promises and regional neglect
National Farmers' Federation and industry leaders protest live sheep export ban during Agriculture Minister Murray Watt speech
Albanese Labor government ignores regional Australia cutting infrastructure funds and neglecting the cost-of-living crisis