Country Roads Board (1913 - 1983)

Summary

The Country Roads Board was established as the central road authority with responsibility for those roads within the State considered to be main roads, under the Country Roads Act 1912 (No.2415) proclaimed in 1913.

The initial functions of the Board, as defined by the Act, were:
- to ascertain which roads should be main roads,
- to ascertain the most effective methods of road construction and maintenance,
- to ascertain the deviations in existing roads or new roads which would facilitate communication and improve conditions for traffic.

Details

By 1910 it had become increasingly apparent that there was a need for a central roads authority to take over responsibility from the Board of Lands and Works (VA 744) for the care and management of the main roads of the state. Up to this time there was a lack of co-operation between the agencies with operational responsibility for roads, the Roads and Bridges Branch of the Public Works Department (VA 669) and local municipalities, in the construction and maintenance of main roads.

Expenditure of state funds was without proper supervision or a thorough investigation into actual needs. The absence of a systematic policy, as well as a lack of funds, had resulted in Victorian roads being in a deplorable condition. At this time the increased use of the motor car accentuated the demands for better roads.

Related entries

Published resources

Journal Articles

• Loder, L. F., 'Notes on highway pavements', Commonwealth Engineer, 20 (3) (1932), 82-85. Details
• Mathieson, J., 'The effect of improved road surfaces on the running costs of motor vehicles', Commonwealth Engineer, 20 (2) (1932), 50-51. Details