Record downpours have exposed inferior road construction, with 601.6mm of rain soaking Wagga this year – 179mm more than average – compounded by the wettest ever September and forecasts of 50mm later this week.

President of the Wagga chapter of the Ulysses Club, a motorcycle club for people over 40, said Wagga needed emergency funding to rapidly repair roads. 

“The potholes are more of a hazard to a motorbike than they are to a car,” Pat Combs said.

“If you hit some of the big ones, they can easily tip you off.

“If you're following a vehicle, you don't see the potholes until you're in them. 

“You can try and dodge the potholes but you have to be careful, because if you're riding on the left-hand side of the road, cars often try and pass in the same lane or straddling both lanes.

“In those situations, if you dodge a pothole suddenly, the car will collect you.”

The supply of council’s road pavement material within the local government area has been put out for tender. 

Council general manager Alan Eldridge refused an interview about the construction methods used to build local roads, but in a written statement conceded council skimps on the raw materials. 

“Council uses as much local material as possible for roads maintenance,” Mr Eldridge said. 

“We understand there are better quality materials available that come at a higher cost. 

“Any additional money spent on road maintenance could come at a cost to the delivery of other council services delivered to the community.   

“As part of council’s ongoing continuous improvement program, council is assessing the cost and benefits of using different materials, including materials sourced from various locations.”