Investment in Australia's regional road network is needed for community safety and to support grain growers transporting grain to port.
A report by the Australian Local Government Association released this week highlighted a state of regional road disrepair that would need billions of dollars of investment to bring to standard.
ABC AM spoke to Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large this week to put a spotlight on the impact that a poor road network makes on rural communities and industry.
"When it comes to roads we can't substitute safety and people's lives, that's non-negotiable," he said.
"We require the government to follow through and use the fuel excise tax we pay to fund road upgrades."
He said the federal, state and local governments needed to collaborate on funding priorities.
"The wear and tear on machinery is a cost for farmers using roads in poor condition and that puts a squeeze on our profits," he said.
"Our profit margins are tight and machinery costs and then increased travel time are costs."
Mr Large said governments needed to provide appropriate infrastructure to service populations both in the city and regional areas with equal consideration.
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