Help Improve Wangaratta-Whitfield Road
Advocating for a safer, more reliable connection to the King Valley
Council has joined Regional Cities Victoria in calling for additional investment of $2billion for regional roads. One of our priority roads is the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, a critical transport link supporting local communities, agriculture, tourism and freight.
The road is managed by the Victorian Government through the Department of Transport and Planning, and Council is continuing to advocate for investment to improve safety, reliability and access to the King Valley.
As the region continues to grow, investment in Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, as well as cycling and other infrastructure alongside it, is needed to support the demands on this important road.
"Upgrading this major arterial road to be fit for purpose is necessary, given the vast increase of heavy and light vehicles used to access vital markets, loyal customers and necessary processors throughout Australia. The short comings of this arterial road were again highlighted with the recent increase of trafficking heavy machinery during the recent N.E. Victorian fires. In addition, there is increasing need for supplies and services to maintain businesses productivity and offerings; along with the increase in tourist numbers visiting the King Valley."
- From the King Valley Infrastructure Project Group's 2020 Community Survey Report
Why this matters
2x
Visitor numbers to the King Valley are expected to double over the next 10 years.
85%
of community-run survey respondents said the road was not fit for purpose.
78%
reported experiencing vehicle damage while using the road.
1⭐(out of 5)
National Australian Road Assessment Program rates the road as 1 star out of 5.
Building the case together
For years, Council and dedicated community advocates have worked to build the case for upgrades, with strong support from local residents, businesses and industry. Community-run surveys have had strong participation rates, and have shown that the majority of users experience issues with the road.
Now, we need current local knowledge and evidence to strengthen the case for investment.
Have your say
Whether you travel the road every day, visit the King Valley regularly, run a business, transport goods, cycle the route, or enjoy the region as a tourist, your feedback can help show why improvements matter.
There are two quick ways to get involved:
- Drop a pin to identify a problem area on the road.
- Prioritise a section you believe should be repaired or upgraded first.
Help us make the case
Your feedback will provide valuable evidence to support Council's advocacy for government funding.
The stronger the evidence, the stronger the case for investment.
Take a few minutes to share your experience and help shape the future of Wangaratta-Whitfield Road.
FAQS
Road Safety Snapshot
Crash locations on Wangaratta-Whitfield Road 2012-2025Since 2012, crashes along Wangaratta-Whitfield Road have resulted in:
These figures highlight the importance of planning for a safer future. Share your experiences and ideas to help shape improvements along the corridor.
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Within the Rural City of Wangaratta, arterial roads are managed and funded by the Department of Transport and Planning (formerly VicRoads), as they form part of the state-managed transport network. These roads play a vital role in connecting Wangaratta to surrounding regions and supporting freight, tourism, and local travel. They also include major intersections and overpasses that are critical for regional connectivity and safety. Council is responsible for service roads, footpaths, and roadside infrastructure adjacent to these arterial roads, particularly where they are used by local residents.
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