Victoria’s pothole problem is costing us all

Anyone who regularly drives around Prahran knows exactly what I’m talking about.

Whether it’s Commercial Rd, Toorak Rd, Williams Rd, Queens Rd, Punt Rd or many of our surrounding streets, potholes have become an all-too-common part of the daily commute. They’re more than just an inconvenience. They’re damaging cars, creating safety hazards and adding to the frustration of Victorians who already pay some of the highest taxes in the country.

Over recent months, I’ve been raising these concerns at every opportunity. I’ve written directly to the relevant ministers, highlighted the issue across my social media channels, and continued advocating on behalf of local residents who are fed up with deteriorating road conditions.

I’ve heard from motorists who’ve had tyres destroyed, wheels bent and suspension damaged after hitting potholes that should have been repaired long before they became dangerous. For many families, those repair bills arrive at the worst possible time, adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars to already stretched household budgets.

Drivers are forced to slow suddenly, swerve to avoid hazards or navigate damaged sections of road with extreme caution. That means longer travel times, greater congestion and increased risks for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. No-one should have to worry that simply driving to work, taking their children to school or heading to the shops could result in vehicle damage or a serious accident.

This didn’t happen overnight. After 12 years of Labor Government, Victorians have been left with record debt, declining services and roads that are falling apart.

While everyday infrastructure has been neglected, billions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted through project cost blowouts, and serious concerns have been raised about organised crime infiltration of Victoria’s Big Build with at least $15 billion lost to corruption.

We need a government that focuses on the basics. Maintaining our roads, delivering essential services and spending taxpayers’ money responsibly should never be an afterthought.

New Premier Ben Carroll was a member of Cabinet throughout the decisions that have brought Victoria to this point, and many Victorians are questioning whether meaningful change is possible while internal factional pressures continue to shape government priorities.

Only the Liberals and Nationals have a plan to reduce crime, lower costs, and deliver a government that works. We will restore responsible financial management and run a government that focuses on the everyday issues that matter to Victorian families.

I’ll continue standing up for our community until these dangerous roads receive the attention they deserve. Local residents shouldn’t have to accept damaged cars, unsafe roads and longer journeys as the new normal. •