Victoria is the only state without regional road groups dedicated to tackling transport issues.
The Heavy Vehicle Charging and Investment Reform (HVCI) group is calling on Victoria to establish regional road groups to participate in road funding decisions.
The HVCI has asked the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to immediately do so as it’s the only state without road groups.
Groups made up of councils and shires will then work on regional road asset management plans, forecast heavy vehicle demand and identify local road priorities for their region.
Geelong Council, along with nearby coastal councils, recently met with the MAV to discuss establishing a regional road group for the district.
It wants to form a G21 Region Roads Group of Councils – which is the formal alliance of government, business and community organisations.
“Senior infrastructure managers from Surf Coast Shire Council, City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Borough of Queenscliffe, Golden Plans Shire and VicRoads have met with a representative from the MAV to discuss the way forward in establishing a regional road group for this region,” Geelong Council says.
“In discussions regarding the process, roles and expectations of these new entities it became obvious that the current framework for the G21 Regional Alliance provides an excellent structure to accommodate the requirements of a new road group.
“It was generally felt that there would be little advantage in establishing yet another forum for mayors, CEOs and officers in a separate road group.”
The G21 Alliance is made up of more than 300 community leaders and specialists in the area.