Media Release News Grabs

RACQ Head of Public Policy Susan Furze said given Queensland’s horrific road toll it was vital the Government acted to better protect drivers by accelerating road upgrades and increasing visible police presence.

“Sadly, we’re on track for one of the worst years for road deaths with 18 people killed in the Northern police region alone since 1 January,” Ms Furze said. 

“Our members tell us a visible on road police presence is the most effective way to change driver behaviour and acts as a reminder of the Fatal Five. 

“Safer roads also lead to fewer crashes and Cairns locals deserve to have good quality roads, that are well policed, to prevent further serious and fatal injuries.”

Ms Furze encouraged the Government to fast-track business cases and investment for local major projects, including those with Federal funding allocations.

“We need the State Government to deliver its share of the money to improve safety, accessibility and the condition of our regional roads, so Queenslanders don’t have to wait any longer for much-needed transport upgrades,” she said.

“In particular, we want to see safety and flood immunity works on the Kennedy Highway, the Cairns Ring Road and Cairns Western Arterial Road projects accelerated, safety upgrades to the Captain Cook Highway and the completion of all five stages of the Cairns Southern Access project.

“There’s also a prime opportunity for this Government to take advantage of the $3 billion Federal Road Safety Program to fund and deliver low-cost, high-benefit upgrades to other high-risk roads including Gillies Highway, Malanda Atherton Road, Atherton Herberton Road, Mulligan Highway, Millaa Millaa Malanda Road and Mareeba Dimbulah Road.

“Queenslanders expect all levels of Government to work together and get the job done.”

RACQ’s full priority transport projects could be found here.