Road investment welcome, but south west needs sustained action

SouthWest Victoria Alliance (SWVA) has welcomed two road announcements from the Victorian Government and Labor this week, while warning that significant and sustained investment will still be required to address the deteriorating condition of roads across south west Victoria.

Yesterday, the Government announced the completion of a new 1.9-kilometre overtaking lane on the Princes Highway east of Terang, alongside resurfacing, drainage and pathway improvements. A further 2.4-kilometre overtaking lane is being constructed east of Garvoc. The two projects are receiving $15.8 million from the Australian Government and $1.7 million from the Victorian Government.

This was followed today by Victorian Labor’s election commitment to upgrade 50 local roads.

SWVA Chair Cr Dennis Heslin said it was encouraging to see road investment continuing to emerge as a major election priority.

“Any investment that makes our roads safer and more reliable is welcome, and these announcements show that the condition of our roads is firmly on the election agenda.”

“The Princes Highway is one of the most important transport corridors in south west Victoria. It carries our residents, visitors, businesses and freight every day, so improvements that make journeys safer are positive for the whole region.”

The Government itself describes the Princes Highway as the “backbone of the south-west”, carrying locals, tourists and freight to Warrnambool and beyond.

However, Cr Heslin said recent announcements needed to be considered against the scale of the road maintenance and reconstruction challenge confronting the region.

“Our message has been consistent. There has been a long period where investment simply hasn’t kept pace with the deterioration of our roads, and there is now a substantial job ahead of us.”

“We welcome every kilometre that is resurfaced, rehabilitated or made safer, but isolated projects won’t solve the broader problem. We need long-term, sustained investment across both state and local road networks.”

Roads and transport remain central priorities in SWVA’s 2026 State Election advocacy, with the Alliance continuing to push for greater investment in the infrastructure needed to support community safety, freight productivity, tourism and regional economic growth.

Cr Heslin said SWVA would continue watching commitments from all parties closely in the final weeks before the State Election.

“It is encouraging to see roads receiving this level of attention during the election campaign. Now we want to see that translate into commitments that reflect the true scale of the challenge across south west Victoria.”

“Our communities know the condition of these roads because they drive them every day. We will continue pushing all sides of politics for the investment needed to deliver a safer, stronger and more reliable road network for the south west.”