A new report is highlighting the increased risk that climate change poses to Central Victoria’s road, rail and health network.
The document, ominously titled “Warning signs” was published by advisory group Infrastructure Victoria earlier this week.
It suggests that “over $57 billion” worth of existing state government-owned or managed infrastructure will be “will be at risk of damage or destruction from extreme weather events by 2030”, a figure that increases to $71 billion by 2070.
In Bendigo alone, more than $100 million in health assets is at risk from floods, bushfires and extreme heat, while road and rail infrastructure in the Central Goldfields and Mount Alexander Shire is also vulnerable.
Regional Cities Victoria – a group which includes Greater Bendigo council – says the report reinforces the need for major investment in our roads.
“This report says what regional Victorians already know: You can’t climate-proof roads with pothole funding,” RCV chair Ben Blain said in a statement.
“The Government’s own independent advisor is now saying we need to strengthen these roads for the future, and that the cost of delay will only grow.
“It’s no longer just about potholes and rough roads. Regional Victorians are driving on ageing infrastructure that is more at risk of deterioration and becoming more dangerous every year.”
The group had previously called for an additional $2 billion in funding to “stabilise and rebuild” roads in country areas.
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