Road ownership

Road ownership authorities

In Victoria, roads are owned and managed by different authorities, each responsible for specific types of roads.

Department of Transport and Planning Roads

The Department of Transport and Planning are responsible for managing and maintaining major arterial roads, including highways and freeways.

Local Government Authorities

Local government councils are responsible for the ownership and maintenance of local roads within their jurisdictions. These roads typically include residential streets, suburban roads, and some rural roads. Local councils manage road infrastructure such as signage, speed limits, and maintenance.

Parks and Forest Roads

State forest roads are primarily owned and managed by government agencies responsible for forestry and natural resource management, such as the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP).

Reporting road issues

If you encounter road issues such as potholes, damaged signs, or other hazards, it's essential to report them promptly. Depending on the road's ownership, you may need to contact different authorities:

For major arterial roads:
Department of Transport and Planning
13 11 70

For local roads:
Contact the relevant council

For forest roads:
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)
13 61 86

For park roads:
Parks Victoria
13 19 63