Cleeland slams neglected roadside safety

MEMBER for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has criticised the state government over the poor condition of roadside safety infrastructure across regional Victoria. Ms Cleeland last week raised concerns in Parliament, citing reports from locals about damaged wire rope barriers left unrepaired for months along major roads like the Hume. “I’ve had constituents from Broadford to Benalla let me know about wire rope barriers left lying on the ground of the Hume for months on end,” she said. “These barriers are meant to protect motorists, yet they’ve been left to deteriorate – putting lives at risk.” With regional road deaths rising, Ms Cleeland called for urgent action. “Nearly four people are dying on regional Victorian roads every week – this is a crisis that demands immediate action,” she said. “So far in 2025, we’ve seen an 11.9 per cent increase in the number of lives lost on our roads, with fatalities on regional roads up by a staggering 25 per cent. “Despite making up just 23 per cent of the population, regional Victorians are accounting for more than 60 per cent of road deaths.” Ms Cleeland criticised the government for taking $1.13 billion from the TAC—well above what was promised—and redirecting funds from road safety. “This government can’t manage money – and it’s costing lives on our crumbling roads,” Ms Cleeland said. “Instead of funding urgent road safety upgrades and basic maintenance, Labor is focused on projects in the city that are billions over budget and years behind schedule. “It’s time they take responsibility and stop ignoring the condition of our roads before more lives are lost.”

Cleeland slams neglected roadside safety

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