From the Newell Highway to the Golden Highway, the Oxley Highway, the Mitchell Highway and countless local roads across western and regional NSW, entire sections of road are breaking apart under heavy freight and minimal rainfall. Bitumen is stripping away, potholes are reopening days after repairs, and road edges are collapsing into dust.
Freight operators are being forced to slow down just to stay safe. Farmers are wearing higher transport costs. Small businesses are paying the price through vehicle damage and delays. Families are risking blown tyres, damaged suspension and serious accidents every time they get behind the wheel.
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Minister for Roads is more concerned about metropolitan roads.
“Talk to any driver in the regions and they’ll tell you the same thing: the roads are getting worse by the day,” Mr Toole said.
“This is a government that is turning a blind eye while regional communities are left driving on roads that are unsafe and unfit for purpose.
“Regional roads are the backbone of our economy. They connect our communities, move our goods, and keep our towns alive.
When they fail, everyone in NSW pays the price.”
Mr Toole said regional councils are being left to fight a losing battle as maintenance costs spiral beyond what local budgets can sustain. “Councils are desperately trying to patch roads together with limited resources while the Minns Labor Government looks the other way,” Mr Toole said.
“We need immediate intervention, and a coordinated, properly funded response that prioritises road maintenance in the regions before the situation deteriorates even further.