At its Council meeting on 18 February 2025, Councillors supported a motion from Councillor Edward Lowe, calling on the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, The Hon.Melissa Horne, and the Department of Transport to explain why the speed limit was reduced from 100 kph to 80 kph without asking the community first. This motion supports the strong views of the state Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull who raised the same concerns just last week.

Cr Lowe said the lack of consultation, reduced funding and poor maintenance of state-controlled rural roads were major concerns. “Our roads are getting worse because they haven't been properly funded. Instead of fixing them, the Department of Transport is just lowering speed limits,” Cr Lowe said.

“Rural communities deserve better. Road safety decisions should include community input and a commitment to long-term improvements.”‍

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Scott Rossetti, reinforced Council's strong stance on the issue, highlighting the need for urgent action.

“Council is committed to standing up for our community and demanding better from the State Government. Our residents deserve safe and well-maintained roads, and we won’t stop pushing for proper investment in our region’s infrastructure, most importantly the busy roads that so many of us use every single day”, Mayor Rossetti shared.

Following the motion, Council will write to Minister Horne to:

• Express disappointment about the poor condition of many state-controlled rural roads.
• Question why the speed limit on Stratford-Maffra Road was lowered without consulting locals.
• Request the data and reasons behind the decision.
• Ask for a timeline for road repairs and improvements.
• Push for better consultation with rural communities before changing speed limits.

Cr Lowe said Council will keep fighting for safer roads from the State Government, and better community engagement.

“We need real investment in road upgrades across the board, not just speed limit cuts. “We urge all levels of government to make regional roads a priority and listen to the people who use them every day.”