URGENT UPDATE: Victoria has just announced a groundbreaking $210 million initiative to enhance road safety across the state. The Safe Local Roads and Streets Program, revealed by Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne earlier today, allocates up to $2 million to each participating council, targeting improvements on over 200 roads statewide.
This funding surge is crucial for local governments managing 87 percent of Victoria’s roadways, which serve as vital routes for daily commutes to work and school. With safety upgrades focusing on pedestrian crossings, intersections, and speed-calming measures, the program aims to significantly reduce road trauma.
“We’ve funded more than 200 projects to help local councils deliver safer streets where local communities need them most,” stated Minister Horne during the announcement. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the alarming statistics surrounding road safety in Victoria.
Head of Road Safety Victoria, Marcelo Vidales, emphasized the collaborative effort: “We’re working alongside every single Victorian council to deliver important road safety infrastructure on local roads.” The commitment from local councils reflects a shared vision to enhance safety measures, ensuring that communities can navigate their neighborhoods with confidence.
Chief Executive of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Tracey Slatter, echoed this sentiment, stating that directing funding for road upgrades to local councils “makes sense.” Slatter highlighted the deep commitment of local governments to make roads safer, affirming that this program provides essential investment to prevent crashes and save lives.
This initiative is part of the state government’s ambitious 2030 Road Safety Strategy, which aims to halve road deaths by 2030 and ultimately eliminate all road fatalities by 2050. With the implementation of this program, Victoria is taking significant steps towards achieving these critical goals.
Residents and commuters can expect to see improvements in their local areas as councils begin to roll out these safety upgrades. The immediate focus will be on upgrading essential infrastructure that directly impacts community safety.
As this program unfolds, local councils are urged to communicate with their constituents to ensure that the changes meet the needs of the community effectively. This initiative not only represents financial investment but also a commitment to the safety and well-being of all Victorians.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program progresses. The state government is dedicated to ensuring that every resident can travel safely and securely on local roads.
