Regional NSW roads are in freefall and the NSW Labor Government is sitting on its hands.
What we are seeing across the regions is no longer routine wear and tear. It is systemic failure caused by neglect, poor maintenance, and a Roads Minister who is clearly not doing her job.
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.
"Chris Minns and Jenny Aitchison talk a big game when it comes to supporting the regions, but when it comes to delivering safe roads, they've abandoned country communities.
"We need immediate intervention, and a coordinated, properly funded response that prioritises road maintenance in the regions before the situation deteriorates even further.
"The longer this government delays, the more it will cost – in repairs, in economic damage, and in lives.
"The upcoming Budget will show exactly whether this Labor Government genuinely cares about regional communities or whether country people are once again being pushed to the back of the queue."
