Victorian Shadow Roads Minister Danny O’Brien was in Heathcote with The Nationals’ candidate for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland earlier this week to announce the result.
“There are some incredibly dangerous stretches of the Heathcote-Nagambie Rd that need urgent attention,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Country roads like this are plagued by rough surface signs and speed limits, which are a symptom of years of neglect.”
In the lead-up to November’s state election, Rural Councils Victoria has called for the re-instatement of the Fixing Country Roads program which would require an investment of $200 million over four years.
It has also asked for an additional $200 million a year to implement ongoing upgrade and maintenance programs for the Regional Roads Victoria network over four years, plus $10 million for roadside vegetation management and weed control on arterial roads.
Rural Councils Victoria chairwoman Mary-Ann Brown said rural Victoria was the engine room of the state’s economy, providing the majority of the agricultural and food produce.
“To continue delivering for Victoria and Australia, and to ensure produce and products continue to get to market, rural Victoria needs investment in roads, essential services, housing for workers, emergency management and rural tourism,” Cr Brown said.