Motorcyclist dies after hitting pothole on Western Highway

A 71-year-old man has died following a motorcycle crash on the Western Highway in Victoria’s central west. The incident occurred just outside the town of Beaufort on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene near Trawalla Road shortly before 12.50pm after the rider reportedly lost control of his motorcycle upon hitting a pothole.

Police have confirmed that the man, identified as Peter Mason, died at the scene. Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are currently ongoing. Mr. Mason, a retired spray painter from Ballarat, had been serving as the president of the Eureka Social Riders motorcycle club since 2019. According to the club, he had been participating in an afternoon ride with at least one other person at the time of the accident.

David Turner, a spokesperson for the Eureka Social Riders, expressed the club's grief, describing Mr. Mason as a man who commanded significant respect from his peers. Local officials have also responded to the tragedy, with the Labor member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, offering condolences to the victim's family and loved ones.

The condition of regional and rural roads in Victoria has become a prominent issue ahead of the state election scheduled for November. Many residents have reported that potholes have led to vehicle damage, traffic delays, and accidents across the state.

Following the crash, Haylett stated that she has been advocating for urgent road repairs and has been in communication with the roads minister regarding the matter. She acknowledged that the current state of the roads is insufficient and noted that repair works in the area had commenced last week.