VFF: Fund falls short

Victoria’s peak farming body has called for greater government investment into Victorian rural and regional roads amid concerns a state funding plan falls short of addressing the issue.

Victorian Farmers Federation president and Wimmera farmer David Jochinke said the federation feared a government declaration to establish a ‘Better Roads Victoria Fund’ was a simple rebranding exercise.

He said concerns were the fund appeared little more than a new name for a ‘Better Roads Victoria Trust Account’, which had been in place since 1979 and received funding from traffic-camera and speeding fines.

The State Government declared earlier this month that it would establish the new fund based on revenue generated from on-the-spot speeding and traffic cameras.

“While the new legislation is more specific about the types of roads the money will be spent on, and ensures at least 33 percent of the funding will be used for country roads, the VFF is not convinced it will be enough to solve the problems facing the regional and rural network,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Renaming an existing trust account will not address the years of neglect for Victorian country roads. While the new arrangements might amount to slightly more money for country roads, there is still a huge road infrastructure deficit in rural and regional Victoria.

“In the lead up to the 2018 state election we are expecting all parties and candidates to explain how they will guarantee funding to fix our rural and regional roads.”

As part of its 2018 election platform, the VFF is asking for a $6.2-billion commitment over five years to fix the state’s roads.

“Victoria’s food and fibre supply chain relies on the road network to transport more than $13-billion worth of produce to market each year,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Without a well-maintained and fit-for-purpose road network, the viability of our sector and the state’s economy as a whole is under threat.

“A substandard road network also puts lives at risk every day.

“We need more than just rebrands. It’s time for parties and candidates to stand up for agriculture and fix our state’s roads.”

“A substandard road network also puts lives at risk every day” – David Jochinke