Understanding the difference between VicRoads and Council roads

Published on 30 June 2026

Updated: July 2026

Knowing who is responsible for a road helps ensure maintenance requests are directed to the right organisation, resulting in a faster response.

Council manages and maintains 2,720 kilometres of its own local roads, which is almost the equivalent of driving from Edenhope / Kaniva to Perth or Cairns.

State-managed arterial roads (Department of Transport and Planning)

Arterial roads are major highways and key transport routes that connect towns, regions and states. They carry higher traffic volumes, including freight and agricultural vehicles, and play a vital role in Victoria's transport network.

From 1 July 2026, the Department of Transport and Planning became directly responsible for maintaining these roads within West Wimmera Shire.

While West Wimmera Shire Council previously undertook maintenance under contract on behalf of the state government. All maintenance is now delivered by Department of Transport and Planning and its contractors.

State-managed roads within West Wimmera Shire include:

• Western Highway (A8)
• Wimmera Highway (B240)
• Wombelano Road (from Nhill-Harrow Road to HRCC Boundary) (C205)
• Nhill–Harrow Road (C206)
• Casterton–Edenhope Road (C207)
• Coleraine–Edenhope Road (C208)
• Kaniva–Edenhope Road (C208)
• Casterton–Apsley Road (C211)
• Edenhope–Penola Road (C212)
• Natimuk–Frances Road (C213)
• Serviceton North–Telopea Downs Road (C226)

Reporting an issue on a state-managed road

Immediate hazards (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Call 13 11 70 immediately to report hazards such as:

• Large potholes, road washouts or pavement failures creating an immediate safety risk
• Fallen trees or large debris blocking the road
• Flooding or water over the roadway
• Damaged guardrails, bridges or culverts presenting an immediate danger
• Major fuel spills, livestock on the roadway or any other hazard posing an immediate risk to road users

Non-urgent maintenance requests

Report potholes, damaged signs, faded line marking, roadside vegetation, rubbish and other maintenance issues online through Transport Victoria at https://transport.vic.gov.au/contact-us/road-issues-and-enquiries

Funding and condition

It is important to note that the Department of Transport and Planning, not the Council, is responsible for the funding and upkeep of state-controlled roads.

The deteriorating condition of some Department of Transport and Planning roads is due to ongoing inadequate funding of these crucial state-owned assets, which falls under the purview of the state government. Council is not responsible for these conditions. See image below of all the VicRoads arterial roads in the shire.

Council-controlled local roads

Council-controlled roads provide access to homes, farms, businesses and community facilities throughout West Wimmera.

West Wimmera Shire Council remains responsible for inspecting, maintaining and managing all Council-controlled local roads. This includes:

• Pavement and gravel road maintenance
• Drainage maintenance
• Roadside vegetation management
• Local traffic signage
• Footpaths and associated road infrastructure

These roads are managed in accordance with Council's adopted Road Management Plan and the requirements of the Road Management Act 2004.

Issues relating to Council-controlled roads should continue to be reported directly to West Wimmera Shire Council - phone: 13 99 72 or lodge a customer request online.