The Nationals WA will invest $61 million to improve regional road safety across regional WA if returned to Government at the State election.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC said the announcement reaffirmed The Nationals strong commitment to improve regional road safety and reduce fatalities on country roads.
“It’s a stark and tragic reality that regional WA has a significantly higher rate of road deaths when compared to the metropolitan area,” Mr Grills said.
“While there is no silver bullet to improve safety on country roads, The Nationals believe a targeted, coordinated effort is required to reduce road fatalities in our regions.”
Mr Grills, who previously worked in major crash and road safety units with the WA Police, said State Government initiatives such as the Towards Zero campaign and Road Trauma Trust Account (RTTA) had steadily improved road fatality rates.
Despite these improvements, Mr Grills said it was evident that 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,” he said.
“This is why we will use Royalties for Regions, in conjunction with the RTTA, to make West Australian 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:
• $5 million to Wheatbelt Road Safety Campaign
• $4 million to Road Safety Community Action Fund
• $40 million to Safer Roads Fund
• $12 million to Wheatbelt Road Safety Force
• A 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 Grills 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.”
For more information visit: www.nationalswa.com/policies
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au
