Labor failing regional drivers with deadly road ratings

The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has raised alarm after new state government data revealed many local roads in the Ovens Valley are rated just one or two stars for safety.

The independent AusRAP system shows that the lower the star rating, the higher the risk of serious injury or fatalities. Worryingly, several key routes in the region are among the lowest rated, including parts of the Great Alpine Road (1.8 stars), Wangaratta–Whitfield Road, Myrtleford–Yackandandah Road and Happy Valley Road.

Mr McCurdy said the results are proof that regional roads have been left behind.

“For years I’ve been calling for proper investment in country roads, but Labor has turned a blind eye, and now the Ovens Valley has some of the most dangerous roads in Victoria,” he said.

“When roads like the Great Alpine Road are rated at just 1.8 stars, it shows just how serious the risks are for local drivers.”

He said regional Victorians should not have to accept unsafe roads as the norm.

“Every year for the past five years, Labor has promised a road maintenance blitz. Will it really happen this time, or is it just another stunt?

People in the Ovens Valley deserve action, not empty promises. These findings are confronting, and the government can’t keep ignoring them. Every delay means more lives are being put at risk.”

Mr McCurdy urged the government to act now and deliver urgent funding to improve road safety before more tragedies occur.

Labor can't manage road safety, and regional Victorians are paying the price.