General News
25 September, 2026
Highway second dangerous in state
THE Princes Highway West, between Port Fairy and Portland, has been ranked the second most dangerous regional road in Victoria.
New findings from both the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) Maintaining State Roads report and the latest RACV My Country Road 2026 survey highlight the critical need for sustained state government investment in regional road infrastructure.
The RACV survey ranked the section of the Princes Highway West between Portland and Port Fairy as the second most dangerous regional road in Victoria, while the section between Colac and Camperdown was ranked the most dangerous.
At the same time, the VAGO report identified Moyne as the second-highest hotspot for potholes on state-controlled roads in Victoria.
This reinforced concerns regularly raised by residents, farmers, freight operators and local businesses.
Moyne Shire mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said the two reports provide compelling evidence that the condition of regional roads is having a significant impact on safety, productivity and community wellbeing.
“These findings add solid data behind what our community experiences every day,” Cr Lockett said.
“When two sections of the south-west’s most important freight and tourism route are ranked as the first and second most dangerous country road in the state, it demonstrates the urgent need for action.
“Coupled with VAGO identifying the condition of state-controlled roads continuing to deteriorate and Moyne as the state’s second-highest pothole hotspot, it is clear that our regional roads require far greater attention and investment than they are currently receiving.”
Cr Lockett said council had spent years advocating for improved investment in state-managed roads through direct engagement with government, transport agencies and as an active member of regional advocacy groups, including the South West Victoria Alliance, Rural Council’s Victoria and the Municipal Association Victoria.
“Council, individually and as part of the South West Victoria Alliance and Rural Councils Victoria, has been consistently calling for sustained and prolonged investment in road maintenance and renewal programs, not just short-term funding injections that fail to address the underlying problem,” he said.
“Our roads are critical economic infrastructure. They support agriculture, freight, tourism, local businesses and connect our communities to essential services.
“When roads deteriorate, the impacts are felt across the entire region.”
Cr Lockett said the findings align closely with council’s own advocacy priorities and those outlined in the South West Victoria Alliance’s state election platform which calls for investment to the Princes, Hopkins and Hamilton Highways as well as the Heywood-Woolsthorpe and Cobden-Warrnambool Roads.
“Regional communities should not have to accept lower road safety standards simply because they live outside metropolitan areas,” he said.
“These reports and the experiences of our communities provide a clear roadmap for government.
“The need has been identified, the evidence is there and the community has spoken. What is needed now is a long-term commitment to rebuilding and maintaining regional roads so they are safe, reliable and fit for the future.”
Moyne Shire Council will continue working with neighbouring councils, industry groups and community stakeholders to advocate for increased investment in the state road network across south-west Victoria.
