27 August 2018 – Following May’s Victorian state budget and its pledge to improve regional infrastructure, particularly across the road network, Paul Northey has been appointed to lead the newly created Regional Roads Victoria division – an offshoot of VicRoads – tasked with overseeing what it describes as the biggest road maintenance blitz in the state’s history.
Mr Northey’s background includes senior engineering roles at Barwon Water and Coliban Water in Bendigo, and he has extensive experience delivering essential infrastructure services.
In a statement released last week the Victorian Government said, “Regional Roads Victoria has been established to provide a strong coordinated approach to road maintenance across the state – ensuring regional Victorians can enjoy safer, faster and more reliable journeys.”
VicRoads Chief Executive Michael Malouf added, “Regional Roads Victoria marks a significant shift in the way VicRoads manages the regional road network and we welcome Paul to this key position.”
Commencing in September – and to be based in Ballarat – Mr Northey will assume the role of Chief Regional Roads Officer and manage the $941 million set aside by the Victorian Government for country roads. The Government says there is more than 1,000 kilometres of road to be repaired, resurfaced or rebuilt across country Victoria this year.
Mr Northey said, “I have lived in regional Victoria for around 30 years, and I know first-hand how important safe and reliable roads are to the livelihood and productivity of regional communities. I’m looking forward to visiting communities across the state to talk about Regional Roads Victoria, and to learn more about their priorities as we upgrade the regional road network.”
