State Budget must deliver on road safety for Darling Downs

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 23 people killed in the Southern police region alone, which includes Toowoomba, 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 those in south west Queensland 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 Carnarvon Highway, which makes up the Inland Highway Freight route alternative to the Bruce Highway, and safety upgrades to the Gore Highway and the New England Highway to the NSW border.

“There’s also a prime opportunity for the 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 State roads including the Cunningham Highway, Bunya Highway, Gatton Esk Road, Gatton Clifton Road, Toowoomba Cecil Plains Road and Roma Condamine 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.