Thursday, 18 May 2023

 Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (09:36): I am delighted to inform the house that just last week the Minister for Roads and Road Safety visited South-West Coast to experience some of our roads. I am disappointed that I was not invited to spend time with the minister. It was also disappointing to hear the minister’s interview on ABC South West Victoria. It seems the minister was blaming the people of South-West Coast for the condition of our roads. The minister said it is our weather, our limestone substructure, our booming industry and our geographical placement between the Port of Portland and Geelong that make it challenging for our roads. No, Minister, it is years of systematic neglect that has resulted in South-West Coast roads becoming a shambolic web of dangerous roads. The minister also said she was able to provide that advocacy so we could continue to leverage on investment and that the government stand ready to do more. Minister, South-West Coast needs actions, not leveraging on investment. We do not need bureaucratic buzzwords. We need roads that are safe, not potholed goat tracks. We need roads that are fit for purpose. Minister, if the government stands ready to do more, what is stopping you from repairing our roads properly once and for all?