The latest RAC Risky Roads report exposes the Cook Labor Government’s failure to address dangerous roads, with regional WA bearing the brunt of Labor’s neglect.
The Nationals WA Road Safety spokesperson and candidate for Geraldton, Kirrilee Warr, said the report proved WA Labor has turned its back on regional road safety.
“Of the 11 riskiest roads in regional WA, eight were identified in the 2022 report. That’s two years of inaction from the Cook Labor Government, despite these roads being notorious for accidents and fatalities,” Ms Warr said.
“Most concerning is the Great Northern Highway, now ranked as the most dangerous road in WA. This vital freight route, with around a third of its traffic made up of heavy vehicles, is a ticking time bomb without urgent safety upgrades.”
Ms Warr also slammed the long-standing neglect of Albany’s Chester Pass roundabout, which has held the title of regional WA’s riskiest intersection since 2014.
“For over a decade, the Albany Highway-South Coast Highway intersection has been flagged as WA’s most dangerous regional intersection. WA Labor has had eight years to act and has done nothing to fix it,” she said.
Closer to home, Ms Warr highlighted the inclusion of the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road on the risky roads list for the first time.
“It’s no surprise to see the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road finally recognised as one of WA’s riskiest roads. The road surface is deteriorating, overtaking lanes are scarce, and drivers face blind crests and tight curves that are an accident waiting to happen,” Ms Warr said.
“For years, locals have raised concerns. I’ve supported petitions signed by hundreds of residents, yet the Transport Minister and the local Labor Member have ignored us.
“This road carries up to 200 quad road train movements every day, despite rail being available. It’s a lifeline for communities like Mount Magnet, Yalgoo and Mullewa – but WA Labor has failed to address this issue with any urgency.
“The nearby Moonyoonooka Yuna Road, while not in the top ten, has also been in desperate need of improvements for at least a decade.”
Ms Warr said The Nationals WA are the only Party making road safety a top priority ahead of the election.
“After a horror year on WA roads in 2024, The Nationals have committed $276 million to the Safer Local Roads program, targeting more than 400 high-speed local government roads where fatal and serious crashes occur.
We’ve also committed $45 million to deliver a rescue helicopter for Geraldton, ensuring faster emergency responses to road accidents across the Mid West,” Ms Warr said.
