- Published:
- Sunday 30 August 2026
Safe, reliable roads are one of the most basic things a government can deliver.
That’s why the Carroll Labor Government is focused on getting back to basics and fixing them faster.
We’re investing an extra $352 million to double the number of potholes fixed this year – from 250,000 to 500,000.
It’s also double the number of potholes that the Liberal-One Nation Coalition claim they would fix in a given year.
And because we respect your money, we have identified responsible ways to pay for it.
The funding will flow immediately, ready for this repair season
This isn’t a promise for future years. As soon as rain reduces over the coming weeks, work will accelerate.
Most of the potholes will be removed over the second half of this year and into January, when it’s driest.
Crews are targeting key arterials across the state – including the Geelong Ring Road, Western Highway, Calder Highway and Princes Highway – plus regional roads.
We can afford it thanks to commonsense decisions
Labor can afford this acceleration because we have identified savings.
We have already removed 92 level crossings. We won’t stop until we have removed all 110 – they all must go.
Our planners have identified a $112 million saving to the Budget forward estimates by deferring the completion of three level crossings – at Highett Rd and Wickham Rd in Highett and Latrobe St in Mentone – by one year.
Right now, fixing the roads matters more than whether those three level crossings are removed in 2032 or 2033.
It builds on further savings including $2 billion on the Suburban Rail Loop, $70 million on consultants and other savings announced this week.
Victorians know they can’t trust Liberals on roads.
They cut funding from road maintenance the last time they were in power.
Under their $40 billion cuts plan, they will do it again.
Quotes attributable to Premier Ben Carroll
“This is absolutely where Victorians want to see their money spent – it is my priority.”
“The condition of our roads is not good enough.”
“I respect your money and I have made commonsense decisions to show how we can afford it.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer
“This is twice as many potholes as the Liberals promise to fix in a given year – and far more in reality, because they’ll cut funds.”