Funding under the Australian Government's Black Spot Program will substantially improve 13 dangerous crash sites on Tasmanian roads in 2021-22.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the state would receive $2.7 million under the Black Spot Program's 2021-22 funding round, with councils contributing a further $336,690 to the successful projects.
"This major investment is part of the Australian Government's commitment to building safer roads right across the nation," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to securing our recovery and keeping our communities safe.
"The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred.
"That is why the Liberal and Nationals Government has committed a record $1.1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013-14 to 2023-24 to improve road safety across the nation."
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the 13 Black Spot projects across Tasmania would make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on Tasmanian roads and built on previous investments in the state.
"This Government is investing in road safety right across the nation to ensure Australians get home sooner and safer," Mr Buchholz said.
"This new funding will see total investment through the Black Spot Program in Tasmania rise to $22.1 million, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving road safety."
Federal Member for Braddon and Chair of the Tasmanian Black Spot Consultative Panel Gavin Pearce said this investment in Black Spot projects would deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout the state.
"The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics has found that Black Spot projects reduce the number of crashes causing death and injury by 30 per cent on average," Mr Pearce said.
"The high-priority locations we are funding have seen a total of three fatal and 21 crashes causing injuries recorded over the past five years.
"The panel that reviews priorities for the program includes representatives from the Tasmanian Police, Tasmanian Motorcycle Council, Tasmanian Bicycle Council, the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Transport Association, the Local Government Association of Tasmania, Traffic Management Association of Australia and the Department of State Growth."
