Rates vs Roads
Hook
Your rates go up. Your roads get worse. This page shows which councils have that problem the worst.
Key Numbers
- Rates revenue per council [VLGGC]
- Local roads capital + maintenance spend per council [VLGGC]
- Road condition LGPRF indicator per council [DJPR]
Context
The rates-vs-roads page joins three numbers every council publishes: how much they collect in rates, how much they spend on local roads, and the condition of those roads. The ratio of roads spend to rates revenue tells you how central "keeping the roads usable" is to each council's priorities. The condition indicator tells you whether the spend is actually working.
Some councils spend more on roads and still have worse roads — suggesting inefficient delivery. Others spend less and have better roads — suggesting earlier investment in durable assets. The same dollar buys very different outcomes in different councils.
Takeaway
The most visible thing a council does is maintain its roads. If they can't do that well, it's not a budget problem — it's a priorities problem.
Share Stat
Rates in. Roads spend out. Road condition measured. Three numbers, 79 councils, one clear picture.
Last reviewed: 11 Apr 2026