UPDATE: NSW’s Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Jenny Aitchison, has emphatically rejected proposed reductions to country road speed limits, calling the recommendations from federal authorities a “bunkum” and a “scare campaign.” In a heated address to the NSW Parliament on November 13, Aitchison confirmed that the state Labor government will not support a blanket review of speed limits, despite a recommendation to lower unmarked road limits from 100 km/h to 80 km/h outlined in the National Road Safety Action Plan released in September.
“This government does not support blanket speed zone reviews across NSW,” Aitchison declared, placing blame for deteriorating rural roads squarely on the shoulders of the Nationals. She criticized former leaders, including Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack, for previously advocating similar measures while in power but failing to invest in road infrastructure.
Aitchison’s remarks come as tensions rise in the debate surrounding road safety and rural infrastructure. McCormack, a former Deputy Prime Minister, responded to Aitchison’s statements, emphasizing that the push for speed limit reductions does not need to be accepted by state authorities. “It only takes one jurisdiction to say no,” he stressed, highlighting the challenge of achieving uniformity across the nation regarding transport policies.
The controversy over speed limit reductions has sparked significant public concern, particularly among rural communities. Farmers and regional residents argue that the focus should be on improving existing road conditions rather than imposing lower speed limits. Xavier Martin, president of NSW Farmers, stated, “Band-aid solutions won’t fix the problem of crumbling roads and bridges.” He urged for investment into the root causes of road trauma rather than merely adjusting speed limits.
Dr. Amy Kelly, a medical specialist from Boorowa, shared her frustrations regarding recent speed limit changes on local roads. “All roads should be maintained to a standard that supports the amenity of a rural community,” she asserted. Dr. Kelly called for the collection of more comprehensive data on road collisions, advocating for a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by rural areas.
As the debate intensifies, the implications of these decisions resonate deeply with local communities. Residents are concerned that reduced speed limits will not address the real issue of unsafe road conditions, which have been exacerbated by a lack of investment in infrastructure. The call for improved emergency response times and health outcomes related to road trauma highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to rural road safety.
What happens next remains to be seen as NSW government officials face mounting pressure from both rural constituents and federal authorities. Stakeholders are watching closely to see if Aitchison’s firm stance will lead to a reevaluation of funding priorities for road infrastructure in the state.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
