Potholes are a persistent frustration for residents and businesses across Hepburn Shire—a hazard that can damage vehicles, create safety risks, and turn a smooth commute into a jarring experience. But when you spot one, who’s actually responsible for fixing it? The answer depends on which road you’re on.
Two Authorities, Two Networks
The responsibility for pothole repairs in Hepburn Shire is split between two organisations, each managing a distinct network of roads.
Hepburn Shire Council is responsible for the large majority of local roads throughout the shire—including residential streets, rural roads, and most of the roads residents use day-to-day. Council currently manages approximately 1,456 kilometres of roads across the region: 612 km of sealed roads and 844 km of unsealed roads.
Transport Victoria takes responsibility for the major arterial roads that pass through the shire—the highways and main through-routes that carry regional traffic. These include the Midland Highway, Daylesford–Trentham Road, Ballan–Daylesford Road, and several others. Council has explicitly stated it has no jurisdiction over these arterial routes.
The Arterial Road Network
RRV manages these principal roads in Hepburn Shire:
- Vincent St North/Main Road Hepburn Springs
- Midland Highway
- Daylesford–Trentham Road
- Ballan–Daylesford Road
- Daylesford–Newstead Road (from Franklinford)
- Creswick–Newstead Road (to Campbelltown)
- Clunes–Creswick Road
- Ballarat–Maryborough Road
- Trentham–Kyneton Road
- Myrniong–Trentham Road / Blackwood Road
- Daylesford–Malmsbury Road
- Daylesford–Ballarat Road / Dean Road (from Newlyn)
- Clunes–Talbot Road
- Bungaree–Creswick Road
- King Street, Daylesford
- Main Road and Vincent Street North, Hepburn Springs
How to Report a Pothole
A number of pothoels in King Street (towards Melbourne) have been filled this week – so some progress. However further dowon the open road towards Melbourne is still diabolical. There are undoubtedly other hot spots.
Once you’ve identified which authority manages the road, reporting is straightforward:
For Hepburn Shire Council Roads
Phone: (03) 5348 2306
Online: hepburn.vic.gov.au/report (service request system)
In person: Visit Council on Vincent Street, Daylesford
For RRV Arterial Roads
Phone: 13 11 70
Online: https://transport.vic.gov.au/contact-us/road-issues-and-enquiries#h2-jw2f1
Not Sure Which Authority?
Information on responsibility for roads is available at hepburn.vic.gov.au/roads, or you can call Council on (03) 5348 2306 to point you in the right direction.
Important note: Some roads change responsibility at specific points. If your street runs along one of the principal arterial routes, it’s worth checking the register to confirm which section belongs to whom.
Why This Matters
Understanding who’s responsible isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s the difference between your report reaching the right team or disappearing into the wrong system. Council and RRV have different budgets, maintenance schedules, and processes. Getting your report to the correct authority means it’s more likely to be actioned promptly.
The division also reflects reality: Council focuses on the everyday road network that connects neighbourhoods, while RRV manages the state-significant arterial network. Both play a vital role in keeping the Shire moving.
The Bottom Line
Your street or local rural road? → Hepburn Shire Council
A major highway or arterial road? → Regional Roads Victoria
Report the pothole, provide a location (street name or landmark helps), and let them know the size and condition. Whether it’s damaging the road surface or posing a safety risk, both authorities take reports seriously. The more information you provide, the better they can assess and prioritise repairs.
Next time you spot a pothole, you’ll know exactly who to call.
