Road safety is at the forefront for the NSW Nationals in the state and federal governments, with a $178 million joint funding package enabling critical road upgrades to be completed this financial year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said this additional investment will fund another 141 life-saving projects in metro and regional areas across the state.
“This brings our government’s total commitment to NSW to over $420 million through our $3 billion nationwide Road Safety Program,” Mr Joyce said.
“Our government is committed to keeping our communities safe, while securing our economic recovery – because investing in these infrastructure upgrades and jobs now will lay the foundations for a better future tomorrow.
“The funding supports the fast roll-out of life-saving safety works on rural and regional roads and is another example of the NSW Nationals in the federal government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.”
The works will include an emphasis on road widening, shoulder sealing, rumble strips, median treatments to prevent head-on collisions, barriers to prevent run-off-road crashes and new shared paths.
NSW Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said Tranche 2 of the program is not only an investment in safer roads but an investment in local jobs.
“With 141 new projects being rolled out across the state, this is estimated to support around 1000 jobs, providing a boost to the economy at a time it is most needed,” Mr Toole said.
“With the pandemic continuing to impact our jobs, economy and livelihoods, it is vital that this government continues to prioritise the roll-out of these projects that are supporting employment in regional communities.
“This investment in road safety is key to underpinning a safer, stronger road network in the bush.”
For more information, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.
