Regional Cities Victoria convened a regional roads roundtable in Geelong bringing together key stakeholders from across Victoria’s transport, tourism, agriculture, freight and local government sectors.
The purpose of the roundtable was to outline RCV’s advocacy for a $2 billion regional roads package ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election, and to facilitate a shared discussion on the condition, safety and economic importance of the regional road network.
Participants included representatives from the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, Rural Councils Victoria, Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, National Transport Research Organisation, Victorian Transport Association, VFF and mayors and CEOs from Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities.
The forum heard widespread concern about the declining condition of regional roads, with participants citing deteriorating surfaces, potholes and structural failures across key highways and roads.
The forum found strong concern over safety implications, particularly for heavy vehicle operators, emergency responders and vulnerable road users.
It found clear evidence that poor road conditions are impacting freight efficiency, agricultural supply chains and tourism access, with flow-on effects for regional economies.
RCV chair Cr Ben Blain, from Warrnambool, said regional roads were a safety and productivity issue.
“Potholes and declining asset condition are putting lives at risk and impacting the economic drivers that underpin freight, agriculture and tourism.
“This is also about regional people and connection — families, communities and local sport. For many regional Victorians, safe access to everyday life depends entirely on the roads they travel.
“Right now, too many regional Victorians can’t rely on the roads they need to get to work, school or sport safely,” Cr Blain said.
“We heard loud and clear from industry, and our communities every other day, that the condition of our roads are dangerous and holding regional Victoria back.
A $2 billion regional roads package over four years is an essential down payment on safety and connectivity for economic growth.
This is not just a regional issue – it’s a statewide economic imperative.
Investing in regional roads means stronger supply chains, safer commutes and a more productive Victoria.
Cr Blain said the roundtable showed there was strong alignment across sectors.
“We are united in calling for the investment needed to restore confidence in our regional road network.”
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