The Australian and New South Wales Governments’ accelerated $398 million investment in road safety improvements through the Safer Roads Program is starting to make a big difference in regional communities, with works under way across the state and many more soon to kick off.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government committed $140 million towards the program in June 2020 to stimulate the economy and create jobs, while getting Australians home sooner and safer.
“We know the impacts of road crashes are devastating and that’s why we are focused on doing everything possible to move towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Our funding injection for the NSW Safer Roads Program is about getting boots on the ground and shovels in the dirt to ensure this critical program of works is delivered as quickly as possible, saving lives and livelihoods.
“59 additional Safety Road Program projects are being accelerated, which we expect will prevent around 590 serious injuries or fatalities.
“The Safer Roads Program will also create around 950 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the projects, putting reliable work on the books for local construction companies and ensuring more cash flows through local businesses and communities doing it tough.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Safer Roads Program was another demonstration of the NSW Government funding vital road safety infrastructure for regional and rural communities.
“Projects like these can mean the difference between someone getting home or not – and collectively make NSW roads safer for all of us,” Mr Toole said.
“Projects being rolled out under this program are targeted at sustainable and long-term reductions in road trauma, to assist NSW to achieve our vision of a road network that has moved closer to zero fatalities.
“We know this is particularly vital on our regional and rural roads, with high-level trauma on country roads accounting for two-thirds of all road deaths in the state.
“These works will save lives and bolster the resilience of the state’s rural and regional road networks, meaning smoother, safer trips to school, work or even the shops – which will make a real difference for those in the bush who depend on them for their day-to-day lives.”
The NSW Government is spending $822 million through the Safer Roads program over five years, with $258 million allocated in 2020 to accelerate program delivery.
