URGENT UPDATE: Victoria has just launched a groundbreaking $210 million program aimed at dramatically enhancing road safety across the state. Announced by Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne earlier today, the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program empowers councils to implement vital safety upgrades on over 200 roads statewide.
Councils will receive up to $2 million each to revamp pedestrian crossings, improve intersections, and install essential speed-calming measures. This initiative is crucial as local governments manage a staggering 87 percent of Victoria’s roads, which are integral for daily commutes to work, school, and community activities.
“We’ve funded more than 200 projects to help local councils deliver safer streets where communities need them most,” said Minister Horne, emphasizing the immediate community impact of the funding. The urgency of these upgrades cannot be overstated as they aim to prevent crashes and save lives.
Head of Road Safety Victoria, Marcelo Vidales, reinforced the collaborative effort, stating, “We’re working alongside every single Victorian council to deliver important road safety infrastructure on local roads.” This program is a pivotal part of the state government’s ambitious 2030 Road Safety Strategy, which seeks to halve road deaths by 2030 and eliminate all fatalities by 2050.
The funding initiative has received overwhelming support from the community. Tracey Slatter, chief executive of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), noted, “Providing funding for road upgrades directly to local councils makes sense. We know local governments are deeply committed to making their local roads safer, and this program provides the much-needed investment to help councils prevent crashes.”
This announcement comes at a critical time as road safety remains a pressing issue for Victorians. The advancements made possible by this funding will not only enhance safety but also foster a greater sense of community and trust in local infrastructure.
As this program rolls out, residents can expect to see significant improvements on their roads in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on specific projects and timelines as local councils begin to implement these essential upgrades.
For more information, visit the official Victorian government website or your local council page. Share this important news with your community to spread awareness about the upcoming changes in road safety!
