More than just a document

Published on 30 January 2026

It might seem like a dry list of public roads, but there’s more to a document adopted at Loddon Shire Council’s January meeting than meets the eye.

Following a lot of behind-the-scenes work Council approved an updated Register of Public Roads – the previous register dates back to 2014.

The register, available on the Council website, is a vital document that lists the status of every public road in the shire, defining Council’s road network and responsibilities in relation to the inspection, maintenance and management of those roads, including the levels of service for each road.

Since the 2014 update there have been plenty of changes which have been captured on council’s internal systems but not on the public register.

So why is this important?

Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said there were two major reasons.

“Emergency services rely on the register to know where to send responders,” he said.

“While our geographic information system is continually updated so they can locate where they need to go, having an updated register ensures clear communication, efficient navigation and a well maintained network for them.

“Another key reason is that we are responsible for maintenance and management of the roads on the register.

“If we undertake work on roads not on the register, this takes resources away from maintaining roads that we are actually responsible for.

“The register gives the public an understanding of which roads we do and don’t maintain – if it’s not in the register it’s either a private or State Government responsibility.”

The last point is particularly important as Council regularly receives requests to repair or upgrade State Government roads.

A list of these roads is available on the Council website, along with details on how to contact the Department of Transport and Planning should you wish to report an issue.