Instead, she got a deluge.

The sticker, which read “I’m not drunk, just dodging potholes in Wagga Wagga”, was meant to be one woman’s protest at the state of the city roads.

The sentiment struck a raw nerve, with a convoy of motorists supporting her and forking out $5 for their own sticker.

On social media, they shared horror stories about cracked rims and torn-up tyres, all victims of crater-sized potholes.

The reaction highlights the struggle Wagga City Council faces managing the region’s roadways.

The vast road network spans more than 2000km, even outstretching the distance between Brisbane and Cairns.

In a perfect world, our roads would be paved with gold bricks – or at least high quality asphalt – and potholes repaired within 48 hours.

But with rate-capping, cost-shifting and public sector inefficiencies squeezing councils in a fiscal vice, the reality is vastly different.

We should accept the challenges facing regional councils like ours, especially around infrastructure backlogs.

We should also expect councils to be honest with ratepayers about the gravity of their problems.

Wagga council’s submission to IPART as part of the Fit for the Future reforms has failed that honesty test.

In an embarrassing blunder, council claimed it would cost a mere $9 million to bring its dilapidated road network up to a “satisfactory” condition. Council insiders say the true figure is closer to $100 million.

The erroneous report formed the basis of IPART’s recommendation that Wagga council was “fit for the future”. It begs the question, is our council really fit?

Interim general manager Alan Eldridge comes with a solid reputation as a capable administration and a straight shooter.

Issues of honesty and transparency strike to the heart of public accountability.

Mr Eldridge would be better served admitting the mistake his staff have made and fixing it, rather than “papering over the potholes”.