Local government has the responsibility for the management of the local road network, which comprises sealed and unsealed roads, bridges, footpaths, bicycle paths, drainage, signage, street furniture and other related physical assets.

Historically, the management of local government roads has been successfully completed through the knowledge and judgment of Council employees. The changing nature of Local Government including the size of municipalities, reduction in road funding, the management of liability and the introduction of Road Management legislation, however, has reinforced the need for "smarter" management of assets.

The road network in East Gippsland is significant and varies throughout the municipality in dimensions and construction. The network comprises of 2719 kilometres of formed roads (of which 979km are sealed), 230 bridges, 116km of footpaths and 8839 culverts. There also exist numerous other features including signs, street furniture and kerb and channel.

The significant value and importance of the above road assets requires that they be managed in a safe and efficient way, while providing the necessary levels of service.

New Road Legislation

The Road Management Act was passed on 11 May 2004 and came into operation on 1 July 2004. The Act has been developed by the Victorian Government to establish improved road management legislation to provide a more efficient and safer road network for all Victorians. The need for this new legislation also arose as a result of the High Court decision that changed the common law governing civil liability for road management to make road authorities more accountable for the safety of their road networks.

The key objectives of the Act are to:

·Set out the general rights of road users and their obligations in relation to responsible use;

·Establish a system for the management of safe and efficient public roads that best meet the needs and priorities of Sate and local communities;

·Set clear principles for the division of responsibilities between State and local road authorities;

·Provide mechanisms for coordinating the placement and maintenance of infrastructure on road reserves;

·Establish standards for the construction, inspection, maintenance and repair of local roads;

·Set out the powers and duties of road authorities;

·Clarify the law relating to civil liability for the management of public roads and other public highways.