The Australian and New South Wales Governments’ accelerated $398 million investment in road safety improvements through the Safer Roads Program is making a big difference in regional communities, with $1.13 million being invested in road safety enhancements in Broken Hill.
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said he is working closely with his state and local government counterparts to ensure vital infrastructure funding continued to flow to the Broken Hill region where it’s needed most.
“This is a great example of multiple levels of government combining forces to deliver community-shaping local infrastructure projects for Broken Hill,” Mr Coulton said.
“I am so pleased that this significant investment will see road safety improvements made at the intersection of Galena, Mercury and Talc Streets to improve the flow of traffic and make life easier for everyone on the road.
“This translates to jobs to keep money flowing through our community, and importantly, enhanced safety for road users now and into the future.”
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.
“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,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“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 projects to be rolled out under this program were targeted at sustainable and long-term reductions in road trauma, to assist NSW to move closer to zero fatalities.
“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.
“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.”
NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the funding was welcome news for local residents at the tail end of a tumultuous year.
“I know that safer roads and better access are vital for the people of Broken Hill and the surrounding region. This funding will provide much needed improvements on Galena Street and help get people from A to B quicker and safer,” Mr Farraway said.
“We have listened and we have acted – residents can rest assured I will keep fighting day-in and day-out for the infrastructure our community needs to thrive.
“Absolutely nothing is more important than ensuring each and every commuter on our local roads gets home to their loved ones safe and sound at the end of each trip, which is why every single dollar we spend on vital safety-improving upgrades is a dollar well spent.”
The NSW Government is spending $822 million over five years through the Safer Roads program, with $258 million allocated in 2020 to accelerate program delivery.
