Shire among first for state safety plan

THE Surf Coast Shire council has welcomed its involvement in a new state government road safety initiative, but said it is still waiting for more detail on the project’s scope.

The shire was among the first 11 councils that will take part in the $210-million Safe Local Roads and Streets, the Victorian Government announced earlier this month.

Councils will work with the Department of Transport and Panning, and Transport Accident Commission (TAC) for four years to identify, plan, develop and deliver safety upgrades on their local roads.

The program will target council-managed roads that the state government said accounted for 87 per cent of Victoria’s total road network, 33 per cent of all road trauma, and this year half of fatalities.

All councils are set to be eventually introduced to the program.

Surf Coast Shire’s place making and environment general manager Chris Pike said the shire looked forward to its involvement as it sought more clarity about the cash allocation for the road works.

“We’re excited to be selected as one of the first 11 local government areas to receive funding for improvements under the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.

“We look forward to finding out more about the program, including the level of funding available, and how it can help make our roads safer for everyone.

“We plan to work closely with the Transport Accident Commission to develop road safety improvement projects at known high risk locations across our local road network.”

State project leads say the program aimed to empower councils with tools to deliver safety improvements that would reduce road trauma.

“Local councils play a crucial role in identifying their region’s road safety needs and this program will allow us to work together with councils to design and build safer roads for their communities,” TAC CEO Tracey Slatter said.