Opinion & Perspectives
3 November, 2025
Enough is enough: pothole problem
Do you have thoughts on the roads around our region? Comment below!
By Karen Hyslop
WITH limited public transport options, many residents and businesses in the Wimmera-Southern Mallee rely on the Western Highway every day.
This is the busiest road transport corridor in our region and the third-busiest interstate freight route in Australia.
Its maintenance is not just a regional priority - it’s a national one.
Last week, councillors Jack Blake, Jenny Greenberger, myself, our CEO, our Director of Infrastructure and Amenity, alongside some community members, met with Joe McCracken, the Liberal Member for Western Victoria, to escalate our concerns regarding the state of the Western Highway.
It is common knowledge that the Western Highway is in urgent need of repair. The potholes and significant cracks are dangerous for drivers. It’s near impossible to not hit a pothole due to the sheer number of them. Not only is it dangerous, it’s exhausting, and is dramatically increasing driver fatigue and the very real risks that come with that.
A risk that increases at dusk and into the night as visibility becomes even more hindered.
The fact there are now warning signs and speed reductions around certain areas due to the eroding road conditions is a clear indication of a problem.
Trucks and cars are being damaged, costing hundreds – if not thousands – to repair. Drivers are becoming increasingly frustrated behind the wheel; travel times are being dramatically extended.
Enough is enough.
We should not have to put up with unsafe roads in our region.
Thank you to Joe for taking the time to speak with us and members of the Western Highway Action Committee, and for helping us in our fight for investment equity on behalf of our ratepayers.
Karen Hyslop is the mayor of Northern Grampions
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