The roads that time forgot..

1,083 unmade roads. 373 kilometres.

One big question – who pays?

More than 1,000 roads across the Mornington Peninsula remain unsealed, creating one of the region's biggest and longest-running infrastructure challenges. According to Mornington Peninsula Shire, there are 1,083 unmade roads covering 373 kilometres, with 165 kilometres located inside the urban growth boundary.

Many date back more than a century, when land was subdivided before planning laws required developers to build roads and drainage. Homes followed, but in many cases the roads never did.

The shire is reviewing how those roads should be prioritised, weighing up safety, traffic volumes, environmental impacts, maintenance costs and community demand.

The bigger question, however, is who should pay.

Many upgrades rely on contributory schemes, requiring adjoining landowners to help fund construction alongside council. Some residents argue they have paid rates for decades and shouldn't face another bill, while council maintains those receiving the greatest benefit should contribute.

There are also growing calls for greater Victorian Government assistance to help reduce the Peninsula's substantial backlog.

For residents living on these roads, the debate isn't just about policy. It's about dust, potholes, drainage, vehicle damage and everyday access. As council refines its long-term strategy, one question remains: which roads will finally be sealed—and who will foot the bill?

Peninsula Talks with Brendon Telfer 

Heard Wednesday's at 11 am on RPP FM

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