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Liberals and Nationals pledge $288m for safer regional roads

By Cobram Courier

Sep 4, 2026

The Liberals and Nationals have pledged to restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program. Photo by Abby Green

Communities across the region will benefit from a $288 million investment in a restored Country Roads and Bridges Program under a Liberals and Nationals government, according to state Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy.

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The commitment will see each of Victoria’s 48 rural and regional councils receive $1.5 million every year for four years in untied funding, commencing in the 2027-28 state budget.

The Nationals MP said the funding would give councils greater certainty to get on with the road and bridge projects that mattered most to their communities.

The commitment follows the Liberals and Nationals’ $5 billion plan to repair and rebuild Victoria’s roads, eliminate one million potholes and restore a proper, planned system of preventative road maintenance.

“People across the Ovens Valley know all too well what happens when roads are neglected: potholes get bigger, repairs get more expensive and the safety of drivers, families, farmers and businesses is put at risk,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Our communities need roads that are safe, reliable and properly maintained ... giving councils untied funding means they can make the decisions about which roads and bridges need attention most urgently.

“The Liberals and Nationals will restore this program and give councils the funding certainty they need to plan and deliver local infrastructure works.”

The $288 million program will allow local governments to determine which road and bridge projects are the highest priorities in their communities.