The first Roads to Recovery Statement of Expectations has been launched by the Australian Government, with a focus on improving road safety outcomes when undertaking local road upgrades.
The program uses funding from the government’s Roads to Recovery (R2R) Program, to encourage local council’s to work with the Australian Government to improve road safety.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said when selecting projects local council will be urged to consider the likelihood they will reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
“The Australian Government’s ongoing funding commitment will ensure local councils are better able to decide what local roads are a priority and how money should be spent,” Mr Chester said.
“Obtaining detailed information on project outcomes is critical to ensuring the Australian Government is delivering the most robust road upgrade projects to demonstrably reduce the number of serious crashes across the Australian road network.
“To that end the new R2R Statement of Expectations will require council input on the benefits their completed projects have provided as a condition of funding in future years.
“Reducing road trauma is a responsibility for us all — it’s about safer drivers, safer cars and safer roads.
“The Australian Government has demonstrated its firm commitment to R2R by increasing funding available to councils across Australia from $350 million to $400 million a year beginning in 2019-2020, and ensuring the continuation of the program.”
