SWVA welcomes commitment to restore Country Roads and Bridges funding

SouthWest Victoria Alliance welcomes today’s commitment by the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, which would provide each regional and rural council with $1.5 million annually in untied funding for local roads and bridges maintenance. 

The announcement aligns with SWVA’s long-standing advocacy for dedicated local roads funding, including through the Alliance’s 2026 State Election Platform and recent meetings with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and MPs during its Parliamentary delegation in August. 

SWVA Chair Cr Dennis Heslin said the proposal would give councils the flexibility to invest in the projects that matter most to their communities.

“This is an announcement SWVA strongly welcomes and one we have been advocating for over a long period of time.” 

“Untied funding allows councils to target investment where it is needed most, whether that’s repairing critical local roads, upgrading bridges or improving freight connections that support regional economies.”

Cr Heslin said local roads and bridges remain vital infrastructure for the south west region. 

“Councils know their communities and road networks better than anyone. Funding models that provide flexibility allow local priorities to be addressed faster and more effectively.” 

While welcoming today’s commitment, SWVA said additional investment would still be required to address the condition of regional roads across south west Victoria.

“This is an important step forward, but there is still much more to do. Many roads across our region now require significant reconstruction and rehabilitation.”

SWVA is calling on the Victorian Government to match the commitment and restore dedicated local roads funding for regional councils. 

“Regional communities deserve bipartisan support on this issue. We welcome today’s announcement and encourage the Government to make the same commitment.” 

SWVA will continue advocating for greater investment in roads and transport infrastructure as part of its broader vision for a stronger, safer and more prosperous south west Victoria.