NSW Nationals Candidate for Hunter James Thomson has welcomed the latest round of federal Black Spot Program funding, which will significantly improve the notorious Buttaba Road at Morrisset.
The funding, secured by the NSW Nationals in the federal government, will substantially improve 97 dangerous crash sites on the state’s roads over the next two years.
“Every year we see the terrible toll some of these black spots take on our families and friends, and they deserve safer roads so they can get home sooner and safer,” Mr Thomson said.
“This why the Nationals in Government have fought to secure record funding for the Black Spot Program, and why we will continue to fight to make our roads safer.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the state would receive $34.4 million under the Black Spot Program’s 2021–22 funding round, with councils and the NSW Nationals in the state government contributing a further $2.5 million to the successful projects.
“This major investment is part of our Government’s commitment to building safer roads right across the nation,” Mr Joyce said.
“The Nationals in Government are committed to securing our recovery and keeping our communities safe.
“The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred.
“That is why the Nationals in Government have committed a record $1.1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013–14 to 2023–24 to improve road safety across the nation.”
NSW Nationals Member for Lyne and Chair of the NSW Black Spot Consultative Committee Dr David Gillespie said this investment in Black Spot projects would deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout the state.
“The Black Spot Program funds safety measures at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred, improving our roads to keeping our communities safe,” Dr Gillespie said.
“I want to ensure we can all get home sooner and safer, whether it’s from work, school or a trip to the local shops.
“This new funding will see total investment through the Black Spot Program in NSW rise to $292.2 million, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving road safety.”
The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics has found that Black Spot projects reduce the number of crashes causing death and injury by 30 per cent on average. The 97 Black Spot projects across New South Wales will be another major step towards lowering the road toll and making sure our communities are safer and stronger.
For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots.
