Local Government welcomes State and Federal Government funding to improve regional roads with the announcement of the Regional Road Safety Improvement Program yesterday.
The $100m program comprises an allocation from the Commonwealth Government of $80 million in 2020-21, with the State Government contributing $20 million.
WA Local Government Association President, Mayor Tracey Roberts said the funding would ensure safer roads and provide a significant boost to regional jobs.
“Through WALGA State Council, the Local Government sector has resolved support for this initiative as an integral part of improving the safety of the regional road network, and we applaud the State Government for placing the road improvement program on the national agenda,” Mayor Roberts said.
“With nearly two thirds of all serious crashes in regional WA being the result of a single vehicle running off the road, this program will help to lessen the terrible social and economic impact road trauma has on local communities.”
Mayor Roberts said the upgrades to 1400 kilometres of regional roads, including sealing road shoulders and installing edge lines is a proven way to reduce crashes.
“These projects will add much-needed stimulus for local economies and generate additional work for local contractors and supporting businesses,” she said.
“Importantly, it will improve road safety for residents and visitors of regional communities by reducing the number of run-off road crashes.
"This is a positive outcome for communities; we thank the Federal and State Governments, and look forward to the program developing over coming years to improve safety for all who travel in regional WA.”