Tasmanian roads are reportedly riddled with around 3,000 potholes, with the opposition grilling the government on the increasingly “deteriorating” driving conditions.
According to figures provided during Budget Estimates, there are approximately 1,132 potholes in the north, 1,622 in the north-west and 684 in the south.
Labor’s Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anita Dow read an email to Premier Jeremy Rockliff from a West Coast resident named Ronnie, who claimed potholes on the Murchison Highway are causing damage to three to four cars per day.
“State Growth, being the government, is doing very little. To put a claim into Stornoway, you need to jump through hoops,” the email read.
“People on the West Coast can’t afford to buy new wheels or tyres every time we go up to the coast for medical reasons and Rockliff is telling the media we have the best roads in the country. The man is delusional.”
Rockliff acknowledged the “significant potholes” across the state road network in response and pointed to a $117 million investment in bridge and road maintenance in the 2024-25 state budget.
“We are well underway with our pothole blitz and maintenance contractor Stornoway has three crews working on the Bass Highway, as well as crews on other roads for long-term repairs,” he said.
State Growth Secretary Craig Limkin said 270 potholes have been identified on the Murchison Highway since August 26th and 156 have been repaired in the last week alone.
“Maintenance teams have been working on both the Murchison and the Ridgley Highways daily for the past two weeks and will continue until the work is complete,” Limkin said.
Despite the pothole problem, Premier Rockliff insisted that the government’s ‘pothole blitz’ is more than just a slogan.
“We need to ensure roads are built right from the start. I’m actively gathering feedback from industry players and road crews, who have been working under tough conditions,” he said.
“Their insights are invaluable as we work to improve the road network. I commend them for their dedication and will continue to seek improvements.”
Motorists whose vehicles have been damaged on state roads that meet set criteria may be eligible to apply for compensation through the State Growth ‘Claims for damage’ webpage.
‘Pothole blitz’ progress update
Southern region
Potholes identified: 684
Potholes filled: 584
Northern region
Potholes identified: 1,132
Potholes filled: 1,110
North-west region
Potholes identified: 1,622
Potholes filled: 1,148
