FEDERAL FUNDING TO FIX SEVEN ‘BLACK SPOTS’ IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

THE safety of seven Northern Territory road ‘black spots’ will be substantially improved over the next 12 months.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack today announced $1.48 million for the Territory under the Black Spot Program’s 2018-19 funding round.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to building safer roads right across the nation because one crash, one fatality is one too many,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Black Spot Program targets road locations where crashes are occurring, reducing the risk of crashes through funding safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at dangerous locations.

“The seven black spot projects being funded across the Northern Territory are an important contribution towards reducing the national road toll.”

Senator for the Northern Territory Sam McMahon said this investment in black spot projects would deliver safer roads in six local government areas throughout the Northern Territory.

“Funding has been allocated to road locations that have been identified as high priority, with 21 casualty crashes recorded at these sites over the past five years, including one fatal crash” Dr McMahon said.

“The panel, which reviews priorities for the program includes representatives from the NT Road Transport Association, NT Police, Automobile Association of the NT and Territory and local governments.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the Black Spot Program showcases the Liberal and National Government’s commitment to getting Australians home safely by targeting investment to where it is most needed.

“Thanks to the strong financial management from the Liberals and Nationals Government, people in the Northern Territory will be able to travel more safely across the state,” Mr Buchholz said.

“I am proud to be part of a government that is not only delivering on its commitment to reduce crashes on our roads, but is delivering the infrastructure that Australians want, need and most importantly deserve.”

The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) has found that, on average, Black Spot projects reduce the number of crashes causing death and injury by 30 per cent.

The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has committed $1.05 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013‑14 to 2022-23 to improve road safety across the nation.

For more information on the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots/.