Better roads, not slower trucks, are needed to reduce the growing number of road accidents in regional areas, NSW Farmers told a state inquiry this week.
Studies show that farm workers are four times more likely to die on Australia's roads than other drivers, with local roads across New South Wales facing a repair backlog worth A$3.4 billion (US$2.2 billion).
John Lowe, Chair of the NSW Farmers Business Economics and Trade Committee, said long-term investment in local road funding was overdue, while broader repair solutions remain lacking. "Drivers have been forced to navigate dangerous potholes, uneven surfaces and other serious hazards on our roads for far too long, and we simply can't continue with roads like this," Mr Lowe said.
"Serious and sustainable funding to fix our local roads, our truck rest stops, our overtaking lanes and our bridges is money well spent, because it could save lives."
NSW Farmers also called for improved and connected rail infrastructure to reduce truck traffic on regional roads. Better driver education and broader mobile network coverage were also identified as priorities to enhance road safety.
"Trucks are only adding to the wear and tear on our roads, and rail lines, in the right place, in the right condition, will really take the heat off," Mr Lowe said. "Drivers also need to have the skills to drive to the conditions, and the ability to call for help when they need to, no matter where they are in the state."
He added that improving safety required tackling the problem at its source. "We've got a long road ahead to improve our road safety – but it's only by addressing the root causes of the problem, that we can keep our regional communities safe," Mr Lowe said.
For more information:
Eliza Fessey
NSW Farmers
Tel: +61 (0) 427 411 220
Email: [email protected]
www.nswfarmers.org.au
