Roads at forefront of rally

THE message to the state government from road users at last weekend’s ‘Broken Roads, Broken Promises’ rally in Warrnambool was loud and clear – fix our roads and fix them now.

The rally, organised by Michael White of the ‘Hogs, Cogs and Two Aussie Flogs’ motorcycle podcast, attracted a large crowd to the Civic Green on Saturday.

“We estimate there were about 400 people at the rally, and not just motorcyclists,” Mr White said.

“It was a great turnout; a combination of motorcyclists from local areas and afar, through to farmers and other road users. We all agreed that the roads across this region are absolutely appalling and something needs to be done sooner rather than later.

“How much longer are we expected to put up with these conditions? The roads are crumbling, potholes are big enough to swallow tyres and dangerous surfaces are putting every motorist at risk.

“Whether you’re on two wheels, four wheels, 18 wheels or driving a tractor, the road conditions are well below satisfactory.”

According to Mr White, motorcyclists are being thrown around like rag dolls, farmers are battling to move stock and equipment safely, truckers are dodging craters and tourists are leaving with busted suspensions rather than happy memories.

“This isn’t bad luck, it isn’t just wear and tear, it’s government neglect.”

Mr White said motorists were calling on the state government to stop ignoring regional Victoria and stop treating the south west “like an afterthought.”

“We are all sick of broken promises; roads need to be a major election issue and that’s what we’re calling on the state government to do – make roads a priority because enough is enough; and we’ve had enough.”