Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman said today’s announcement reaffirmed the Nationals strong commitment to improve regional road safety and reduce fatalities on country roads.
“It’s a stark reality that regional WA has a significant higher rate of road death when compared to the metropolitan area,” Mr Redman said.
“While there is no magic solution when solving the issue of road safety, the Nationals believe a targeted, coordinated effort is required to reduce road fatalities across regional WA.”
Mr Redman said State Government initiatives such as the Towards Zero campaign and Road Trauma Trust Account (RTTA) have steadily reduced fatality rates, however it is clear some areas of WA required greater focus and a clear strategy.
“A collaborative and concerted effort from Government, industry and all road users is needed to reduce the number of fatalities on our roads,” Mr Redman said.
“This is why we will use Royalties for Regions, in conjunction with the RTTA, to make WA roads safer starting in the Wheatbelt where the death toll is highest, and then expanding successful elements of the program across regional WA.”
The Nationals WA $61 million Road Safety Strategy will deliver:
- $40 million to Safer Roads Fund
- $4 million to Road Safety Community Action Fund
- $5 million to Wheatbelt Road Safety Campaign
- $12 million to Wheatbelt Road Safety Force
- Review into the Road Trauma Trust Account
“The Nationals are the only party solely dedicated to regional WA and we understand the issues that matter to country people,” Mr Redman said.
“This strategy reaffirms our commitment to regional road safety and we will continue to work hard with the community until we reach the ultimate goal of zero road fatalities.”