Concerns about the condition of Victoria’s roads are again in focus, with former Vic Roads employees arguing that changes to the management and delivery of road services have contributed to the deterioration of the state’s road network. The issue is particularly significant for regional communities such as Ballarat, where residents, commuters, freight operators and regional businesses rely heavily on safe and well-maintained roads.

A report published by ABC Ballarat on September 10, 2026, features former Vic Roads staff who say privatisation and changes to road-building practices have played a role in what they describe as Victoria’s increasingly poor road conditions. The report comes amid broader public concern about potholes, deteriorating surfaces and the maintenance of regional roads.

The condition of Victoria’s road network has become an important issue for Ballarat and surrounding communities because many residents travel significant distances for work, education, healthcare and other essential services. Regional roads are also heavily used by freight vehicles transporting agricultural and commercial products between Ballarat, Melbourne and other parts of western Victoria.

The latest discussion follows growing criticism of the state’s road maintenance system. Former road workers interviewed by ABC argue that changes to the structure of Vic Roads and the increasing use of private contractors have affected the way maintenance and construction work is delivered. They say knowledge and experience built up within the former public-sector road workforce may have been lost or reduced as responsibilities changed.

Road quality is more than a transport issue. Poor surfaces can increase vehicle operating costs, contribute to tyre and suspension damage and create additional risks for motorists, cyclists and other road users. For regional communities, road problems can also affect travel times and the movement of freight.

The issue is particularly relevant to Ballarat because the city is an important regional transport centre. Its connections with Melbourne and surrounding communities mean that thousands of vehicles use major roads around the city every day. Maintaining those roads is therefore important for both residents and the local economy.

The City of Ballarat has also been advocating for investment in local transport infrastructure. The council's current information highlights a push for an upgrade of the ageing runway at Ballarat Airport, while previous council updates have included a major Ballarat roads blitz.

The road-quality debate also comes as Victoria faces broader infrastructure pressures. Regional communities have argued that infrastructure investment needs to keep pace with population growth and increasing transport demands.

Former Vic Roads workers' claims are part of an ongoing public debate, and the causes of road deterioration are complex. Weather, traffic volumes, heavy vehicles, construction standards, maintenance schedules, funding levels and the organisation of road services can all influence road conditions.

For Ballarat residents, the key concern is whether enough resources are being directed toward repairing damaged roads and preventing further deterioration. The condition of regional roads can directly affect everyday travel and the safety and reliability of the transport network.

The discussion is expected to continue as the Victorian Government faces pressure to address road maintenance across metropolitan and regional areas.