Coalition offers $500 million for local roads while Dyson calls for "Right to Safe Roads" law

Roads in Western Victoria are a major focus in the election campaign, with the major parties pledging hundreds of millions towards repair. But Independent candidate in Wannon, Alex Dyson, says the state of the roads is just a reminder of major party neglect.

The Coalition has promised $500 million towards the targeted repair, maintenance and improvement of local roads if it wins at the upcoming federal election, as part of its $1 billion commitment to local councils.

The “revitalised” Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program — announced on Monday — will be delivered through two dedicated funding streams, each worth $500 million.

The Resilience and Community Infrastructure Stream, open to all councils, would ideally see communities strengthen against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure to support local growth. 

The Roads Stream would be targeted to regional councils to fix potholes, maintain and improve local roads.

Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud, said in a statement the Coalition’s plan puts decision-making in the hands of local councils, ensuring funding is directed to where it’s needed most.

“These investments will build stronger communities, create jobs, boost local economies and help communities prepare for future challenges, such as natural disasters,” Mr Littleproud said.

Alex Dyson calls for 3-star road safety standard by 2030

On Tuesday, Independent candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson revealed his own plans to lock in increased funding for unsafe regional roads.

“My Right to Safe Roads Bill would require all major roads to meet a basic, 3-star safety standard by 2030, with the worst roads prioritised first,” he said in a statement.

Mr Dyson said Wannon’s “crumbling roads” were a “daily reminder of the neglect from both major parties”.

“It’s unbelievable to think that, in this day and age, safe and well-maintained roads aren’t the standard. But many of the roads in our region receive the lowest-possible 1-star safety rating, and have been neglected for years, putting Wannon drivers at risk,” he said.

Mr Dyson said his proposal for a Right to Safe Roads Act was a “stark contrast” to the Coalition’s proposed roads policy.

“[Wannon MP] Dan Tehan wants voters to believe that our region’s roads only started falling apart three years ago, when voters kicked Scott Morrison out of government, but local drivers know that our roads have been getting worse every year since Mr Tehan was elected in 2010,” he said.

Mr Tehan was contacted for comment.

The Labor Party’s most recent commitment to local roads included $13.7 million in funding to local councils through its Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program. 

This commitment followed a $22 million package of works announced in late February, delivering improvements at high-risk intersections across regional Victoria including the Grampians and Barwon South-West regions.  

In the 2025/26 federal budget, the government also committed to a total of $17.1 billion for new and existing road and rail infrastructure projects across the country.