FIXING BLACK SPOTS ON OUR LOCAL ROADS

$345 million will be spent by the Federal Coalition Government over six years to fix dangerous black spots on the nation’s roads, NSW Nationals Senator Fiona Nash said. Senator Nash explained the Black Spot programme was originally scheduled to end in June 2008, but has now been extended until at least June 2014. “This commitment by the Federal Coalition Government will enable us to fix another 2,300 black spots on roads around the country,” Senator Nash said. “Under the extension, funding will increase by 33 per cent from June 2009, from $45 million a year to $60 million a year. “Approximately half the total funding will be allocated to regional areas because of the large number of accidents on country roads which is great news for our local communities.” Senator Nash said the Federal Coalition Government is already spending $45 million a year under the AusLink Black Spot programme to fund safety works such as roundabouts, crash barriers and street lights at places where there have been serious crashes or where serious crashes are likely. The Black Spot programme was reintroduced by the Federal Coalition Government in 1996 after it was abolished by the previous Labor Government. By June 2008, the programme will have fixed 4,200 road hazards around Australia, preventing accidents and most importantly saving lives. The funding under the Black Spot programme is allocated to the states and territories based on their population and number of casualty crashes. Nominations for funding are assessed by independent committees, which include federal, state/territory and local government representatives, the police and road user groups. More information on the Federal Coalition Government’s Black Spot programme can be found by logging on to www.auslink.gov.au Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600

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