Thirty-three dangerous crash sites in Western Australia will be fixed under the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Black Spot Program over the next 12 months.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said WA would receive $15.4 million under the program’s 2020-21 funding round.
“Safer roads save lives. This major investment is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to improving roads right across the nation,” Mr McCormack said.
“The high-priority locations we are funding have seen a total of three fatal and 124 crashes causing injuries over the past five years.
“We are committed to doing our bit to make sure Australians reach their destinations sooner and safer.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the 33 Black Spot projects across Western Australia would make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on WA roads.
“The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics has found, on average, Black Spot projects reduce the number of crashes causing death and injury by 30 per cent,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Nationwide, the Australian Government has committed $1.05 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013-14 to 2022-23 to improve road safety.
“Our Government is committed to building better, safer roads in partnership with State and Local Governments, to get Australians home sooner and safer.
“But, safer roads are only one component of improving our road toll. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Federal Member for O’Connor and Chair of the Western Australian Black Spot Consultative Panel
Rick Wilson said this investment in Black Spot projects would deliver safer roads in Local Government Areas throughout the Western Australia.
“The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at road locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred or are at risk of occurring,” Mr Wilson said.
“The panel which reviews priorities for the program includes representatives from the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia, Western Roads Federation, Road Safety Commission and State and Local Government.”
